As-Needed Field Biologist (San Diego)

Rincon Consultants; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants in San Diego seeks a Field Biologist – As-Needed to provide biological monitoring and compliance support for projects throughout San Diego County and beyond. This role suits an experienced biological generalist who can work independently, understand and apply regulatory permit requirements, and communicate effectively with construction crews and project teams.

Near-term assignments are anticipated in Chula Vista and San Marcos, with individual projects ranging from

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• 3+ years of environmental consulting, including construction compliance monitoring.
• Experience nesting bird surveys and monitoring active nests.
• Ability to implement regulatory permit conditions and mitigation measures.
• Familiarity with Southern California habitats and species.
• Strong communication to construction personnel and team.
• Ability to work independently and elevate issues when needed.
• Willingness to work long hours and travel across Southern California.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological compliance monitoring during construction.
• Review and apply permit conditions, mitigation, and monitoring requirements.
• Conduct preconstruction surveys and identify buffers.
• Communicate restrictions to crews, inspectors, and managers.
• Document compliance with daily logs and field notes.
• Prepare monitoring logs, field reports, and documentation.
• Conduct habitat assessments and identify species.
• Work independently while communicating with project managers.
• Support additional surveys and Natural Resources projects as needed.

Skills

Field biology

Regulatory compliance

Environmental monitoring

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ 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 a San Diego-based Field Biologist – As-Needed to provide biological monitoring and compliance support for projects throughout San Diego County and beyond. This role is well suited for an experienced biological generalist who can work independently, understand and apply regulatory permit requirements, and communicate effectively with construction crews and project teams.

Near-term assignments are anticipated in Chula Vista and San Marcos, with individual projects ranging from approximately two weeks to two months. Because this is an as-needed position, the timing and number of hours will vary based on project needs and are not guaranteed.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct biological compliance monitoring during construction activities.

• Review and apply project-specific permit conditions, mitigation measures, environmental commitments, and monitoring requirements.

• Conduct preconstruction surveys and identify appropriate buffers or other required protective measures.

• Communicate biological restrictions and permit requirements clearly and professionally to construction crews, inspectors, and project managers.

• Identify and document potential compliance concerns and coordinate promptly with the appropriate project team members.

• Prepare accurate daily monitoring logs, field notes, preconstruction survey reports, and other compliance documentation.

• Conduct habitat assessments and identify common and special-status plant and wildlife species found in Southern California.

• Work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication with project managers and technical leads.

• Support additional biological surveys and Natural Resources projects as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.

• 3+ years of environmental consulting experience, including construction compliance monitoring.

• Experience conducting nesting bird surveys and monitoring active nests.

• Ability to understand and implement regulatory permit conditions, mitigation measures, and project-specific environmental requirements.

• Familiarity with Southern California habitats and common and special-status plant and wildlife species.

• Confidence communicating environmental requirements to construction personnel and working collaboratively to maintain compliance.

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and recognize when an issue should be elevated.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing monitoring logs, field reports, and other technical documentation.

• Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours, including 10–12+ hour days, as project needs require.

• Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable weather conditions and on uneven terrain, including hiking while carrying field equipment.

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout Southern California and drive Rincon or personal vehicles across a variety of road conditions.

Compensation

Thehourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $32.00–$45.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary ranges are based onthemarketmedian of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys.Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a 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.