Field Biologists; Coast

As-Needed Field Biologists (Central Coast)

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 role offers 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.

• 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:
  • 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.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 2–5+ years of biological fieldwork.
• 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 listed species is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Acts, California Environmental Quality Act, Clean Water Act permits, and other regulatory compliance oversight.
• Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and 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, carrying 25 lb, and to work 10–12 hour days as needed.

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.

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Those hired for federal projects will be subject to additional drug testing requirements in compliance with federal regulations.

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.