As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Coast) at Rincon Consultants San Luis Obis

As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Coast) at Rincon Consultants.

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA. We are seeking wildlife biologists and botanists for as-needed support on projects throughout the Central Coast, from San Mateo to Santa Barbara counties.

This role offers opportunities for both early-career and experienced biological consultants to engage in high-impact work on utility, infrastructure, and development projects.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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

• 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 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, the California Environmental Quality Act, 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.

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.

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. 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.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, family care, marital status, military and veteran or qualified disabled veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify Program to ensure that all employees hired are legally able to work in the United States.