As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (NorCal)

Rincon Consultants, Inc•Sacramento, CA

30d•$30 - $45

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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, 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.