Biology Intern
About Rincon
We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work, reflecting the trust, connection, and sense of purpose our team members share. We strive to create a welcoming environment where people can learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful, mission-driven work.
We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with more than 500 professionals and 13 offices across the state. For over 30 years, we’ve provided high-quality, client-focused environmental science, planning, and consulting services across a range of sectors, including transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government.
Schedule & Location
This internship is anticipated to run for approximately three months, from June through August. While the internship does not guarantee future employment, candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for full-time, regular employment at the conclusion of the internship based on business needs, performance, and mutual interest.
This position will be part-time (approximately 20–40 hours per week), with weekly schedules determined collaboratively between Rincon and the selected candidate. Hours may vary based on project needs and intern availability.
This position is being offered at our Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and/or Los Angeles offices. While this role offers flexible work arrangements that may include a mix of in-office and remote work, changing business needs ultimately determine the level of remote-work flexibility.
About the Role
As a Biology Intern, you will support field and technical work that helps assess and protect sensitive biological resources across California. You’ll gain hands-on experience with environmental monitoring, field surveys, and data documentation while working alongside experienced biologists and project managers. This role is ideal for students interested in applying scientific principles to real-world environmental challenges and learning how biological resources shape project planning and compliance.
What You’ll Do
Support environmental monitoring during construction for permit compliance and resource protection.
Conduct desktop resource analysis.
Conduct biological field surveys and site assessments.
Perform on-site inspections on uneven terrain as part of a team.
Organize field data, notes, and photographs for use in technical reports.
Assist with preparing technical reports, plans, and permit applications.
Collaborate with project teams and represent Rincon professionally in all assignments.
What You’ll Bring
Current status as a recent graduate who has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past two years in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Ability to collect and analyze field data, solve moderately complex problems, and contribute to technical reporting.
Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently when needed.
Detail-oriented, organized, and committed to managing time effectively and producing high-quality, professional work.
Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional emails and support technical report preparation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
Creativity, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic consulting environment.
Desired: Familiarity with GPS and GIS tools.
Desired: Prior practical field experience.
Ability to maintain a valid California driver’s license and clean driving record, and to travel to project sites—including occasionally driving on off-highway or 4x4 routes—using the visual, auditory, and manual skills required for safe vehicle operation.
Work Environment
Field assignments are performed primarily outdoors and require the ability to walk or hike on uneven, sloped, or otherwise challenging terrain. Tasks may occasionally involve climbing, crouching, kneeling, or maintaining balance on rough surfaces.
Fieldwork may require lifting and carrying equipment (up to 25 pounds) and working in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, sun, rain, wind, and dusty environments. Interns may also encounter natural elements such as wildlife, insects, poison oak, and wet or muddy conditions.
These expectations ensure that all field staff can safely participate in and complete field assignments while receiving appropriate training and support.
EEPIC Program Opportunity (Optional)
Students applying for this internship may simultaneously select to apply to the Environmental, Engineering, and Planning Internship and Charrette (EEPIC) program, a partnership among seven leading consulting firms—Ascent, Dudek, EPS, ESA, Fehr & Peers, PlaceWorks, and Rincon. This program aims to expand representation within the environmental, engineering, and planning fields by creating meaningful opportunities for students across all backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC); veterans; individuals with disabilities; and students who are the first in their families to attend college.
In addition to the three-month Rincon internship, EEPIC participants join a two-week charrette, collaborating with interns from partner firms on a real-world planning challenge. This unique experience offers hands-on learning, multidisciplinary teamwork, and valuable networking opportunities.
To participate, you must be willing to attend a two-week in-person charrette in San Diego from July 13–24, 2026 (travel and lodging provided if needed). Learn more about the EEPIC program, click here.
Additional Details
The base pay for this internship opportunity is $27.00 per hour. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys.
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.
We are accepting internship applications from January 5th through February 6th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
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.