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Rincon Consultants, Inc

As-Needed Field Biologists (Central Coast)

Rincon Consultants, Inc, Ventura, California, United States

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Overview

Rincon Consultants is seeking

Field Biologists and Botanists to provide as-needed support

for projects spanning the Central Coast, from San Mateo to Santa Barbara 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

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 . 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. Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field. 2–5+ years

of biological fieldwork required. 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 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 listed species , 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. Compensation and employment details

The base pay for this as-needed position ranges from

$32.00–$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. Salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs; actual offer will consider internal equity and candidate knowledge, skills, and experience. Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. If assigned to federal projects, additional drug testing may apply in compliance with applicable federal regulations. About Rincon

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies that do not have a signed contract and work order with Rincon. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. 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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