As-Needed Field Biologists (Central Coast)

Ventura, CA
Seasonal
Natural Resources
Entry Level
About Us
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems

As a people-centric organization we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences. 

About The Role
We are seeking Field Biologists to provide as-needed support for projects spanning the Central Coast, from San Luis Obispo to Ventura counties. This is an excellent opportunity for both early-career and experienced biological consultants (2–10+ years) with strong field expertise in Central Coast ecosystems.

We welcome candidates at all levels of experience and will adjust responsibilities, project complexity, and compensation accordingly.

What You'll Do
Responsibilities will vary based on experience level, regulatory approvals, and area of expertise:
  • Conduct site assessments, surveys, and habitat evaluations for common and special-status plant and wildlife species and map vegetation communities.
  • Perform biological monitoring and provide compliance support during construction activities, prepare compliance monitoring reports.
  • Identify plant species using a dichotomous key, focusing on Central Coast botany.
  • Map vegetation communities using standard mapping practices and identify sensitive vegetation communities.
  • Survey, monitor, and assess habitats for special-status species, including but not limited to the following:
    • ​​​​California red-legged frog
    • Foothill yellow-legged frog
    • California tiger salamander
    • Western spadefoot
    • Northwestern and southwestern pond turtles
    • San Francisco garter snake
    • Coho salmon
    • Steelhead
    • Tidewater goby
    • California least tern
    • Western snowy plover
    • Least Bell’s vireo
    • White-tailed kite
    • Northern harrier
    • Burrowing owl
    • Vernal pool branchiopods
    • Monarch butterfly
    • Smith’s blue butterfly
    • Crotch’s bumble bee
    • Regionally occurring special-status plants
  • Prepare preconstruction survey reports and other technical documentation.
  • Track compliance with mitigation measures and permit conditions, maintaining accurate field reports and monitoring logs.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide additional support to the Natural Resources Team as needed.
  • Work independently or as a project/task lead depending on experience.
  • Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience is a plus.

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of biological fieldwork 
  • Expertise in Central Coast ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
  • Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals.
  • Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as incidental take permits, Clean Water Act (CWA) permits, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, regulatory compliance oversight, and development/implementation of mitigation measures.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.
  • Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours (10-12+ hour days) as project needs require.
  • Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying up to 25lbs of equipment.
  • Marine/ coastal work and boat operation experience is a plus. 

Compensation
The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $30.00–$65.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Additional Employment Information
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

 

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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