Rincon Consultants, Inc

As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Valley)

Natural Resources - Bakersfield, CA - Seasonal

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking as-needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Valley) to join our team! We are looking for candidates with strong field expertise in botany and wildlife biology, specifically within the Central Valley (Sacramento to Bakersfield). The position will involve conducting habitat assessments, focused and general biological surveys, vegetation surveys and mapping, construction compliance monitoring, report writing, and providing biological construction support for a variety of projects. If you have a passion for fieldwork and a deep knowledge of Central Valley species and habitats, we encourage you to apply!
 
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 Bay Area and northern Central Valley 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 tiger salamander
    • San Joaquin kit fox
    • Blunt-nosed leopard lizard
    • Giant garter snake
    • Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
    • Western spadefoot toad
    • Western pond turtle
    • Vernal pool invertebrates
    • Fresno kangaroo rat
    • Giant kangaroo rat
    • Nelson’s antelope ground squirrel
    • Swainson’s hawk
    • Special-status plants in the Central Valley
  • 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.
  • Wetland delineation 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, with at least 1-2 years of professional biological fieldwork experience.
  • 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 preferred.
  • Expertise in Central Valley ecosystems, including experience with compliance monitoring, habitat assessments, vegetation monitoring, and species-specific surveys.
  • 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.
  • 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.

*More senior professionals (e.g., 5–10+ years) are also strongly encouraged to apply. Responsibilities and pay will adjust accordingly, with senior-level pay exceeding the posted range.

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 400+ 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 on-call position is $27.00–$35.00 per hour. 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.

Apply: As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Valley)
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