As-Needed Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Valley)_2025

Rincon Consultants, Inc•Fresno, CA

1d•$35 - $65

About The Position

Rincon Consultants is seeking Wildlife Biologists and Botanists (Central Valley) for as-needed support on projects throughout the Central Valley, from Sacramento to Bakersfield. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced biological consultants (3–10+ years) with strong field expertise in Central Valley ecosystems to engage in high-impact work on utility, infrastructure, and development projects. Senior-level applicants will have opportunities to lead field teams, oversee complex compliance efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as subject matter experts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
3+ years of biological fieldwork required.
Experience implementing Incidental Take Permits (ITP) mitigation measures
Expertise in 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 is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience with the species listed above, including surveying and monitoring in occupied habitats and securing project approvals is highly desirable.

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 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: Burrowing Owl Swainson’s hawk San Joaquin kit fox Blunt-nosed leopard lizard California tiger salamander Giant garter snake Valley elderberry longhorn beetle Western spadefoot toad Western pond turtle Vernal pool invertebrates Fresno kangaroo rat Giant kangaroo rat Nelson’s antelope ground squirrel Special-status plants in the Central Valley Most relevant
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.
Wetland delineation and regulatory permitting experience is a plus.