As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Coast)

San Luis Obispo, CA
Seasonal
Natural Resources
Mid Level
Rincon Consultants is seeking Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Coast) for as-needed support on projects throughout the Central Coast, from San Mateo to Santa Barbara counties. This is an excellent opportunity for both early-career and experienced biological consultants (5–10+ years) with strong field expertise in Central Coast ecosystems to engage in high-impact work on utility, infrastructure, and development projects.

We welcome candidates at all levels of experience and will adjust responsibilities, project complexity, and compensation accordingly. Senior-level applicants will have opportunities to lead field teams, oversee complex compliance efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as subject matter experts.

 Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities: 
  • 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.

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following: 
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
  • 1–2+ years of biological fieldwork required; 5–10+ years strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Expertise in Central Coast ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
  • Prior approval through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or California Department of Fish and Wildlife as Designated Biologist, Species Specific Monitor or General Biological Monitor for any of the above listed species is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including but not limited to federal and state Endangered Species Acts, and the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as incidental take permits, Clean Water Act permits, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, regulatory compliance oversight, and development/implementation of mitigation measures.
  • Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals is highly desirable.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.
  • Ability to hike 6–8 miles per day in often difficult terrain and variable weather conditions while carrying 25 lbs.
  • Ability to work 10–12+ hour days, as needed.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central, and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base pay for this as-needed position ranges from $27.00–$65.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Entry-level candidates will fall within the lower portion of the range, while more experienced professionals may be considered for higher-level assignments and compensated accordingly. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
 

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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