As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (NorCal)

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 Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Northern California) for as-needed support on projects throughout the Bay Area, Sacramento region, and northern Central Valley. This is an excellent opportunity for both early-career and mid-level biological consultants (2–5+ years) with field expertise in Northern California ecosystems to engage in high-impact work on utility, infrastructure, and development projects.

What You'll Do

• 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, and 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
  • California-red-legged frog
  • Foothill yellow-legged frog
  • Giant gartersnake
  • Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
  • Western pond turtle
  • Vernal pool invertebrates
  • Burrowing owl
  • Swainson’s hawk
  • Special-status bumble bee species
  • Special-status bat species
  • Special-status riparian bird species
  • Special-status plant species
• 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.
• 2–5+ years of biological fieldwork (required).
• Expertise in Bay Area and northern 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong technical writing experience preparing field reports, monitoring logs, and preconstruction survey documentation.

Nice To Have

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals.
  
  

Compensation
The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $30.00–$45.00 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.

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.