Biologist (Crotch's Bumble Bee)

Rincon Consultants, Inc; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants, Inc seeks a Biologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources team. You will lead focused bumble bee surveys (CBB) and contribute to regional fieldwork, habitat assessments, and vegetation mapping, while supporting project coordination and reporting.

The role involves travel across Central and Southern California, collaboration with a team, and growth in project management skills within a flexible hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in environmental consulting, biological fieldwork, or natural resource management
• Current CDFW MOU authorizing capture of Crotch’s bumble bee, or ability to obtain one by spring 2027
• Experience conducting focused bumble bee surveys, including field data collection and reporting
• Experience with biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, or related fieldwork
• Strong technical writing, research, and data-management skills
• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, CESA, ESA, the Clean Water Act, and related regulations
• Flexibility to conduct fieldwork and travel throughout California including overnight stays

Responsibilities

• Lead focused Crotch’s bumble bee surveys in line with CDFW guidance and MOUs
• Coordinate survey planning, field activities, data collection, documentation, and reporting
• Conduct reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, and vegetation mapping (MCV)
• Perform desktop reviews using biological databases, imagery, mapping tools, and literature
• Prepare technical reports, memoranda, and resource assessments for CEQA/NEPA and permitting
• Organize and QA/QC field data to ensure high-quality deliverables
• Assist project managers with scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing, and client communication
• Drive company and personal vehicles across varied road conditions to project sites

Skills

Biology fieldwork

Technical writing

Data management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor/Master in Biology or related

Tools

MCV habitat mapping

CDFW guidance & MOU

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 Biologist to join our Natural Resources team in Southern California. A primary focus of this role will be supporting and leading focused surveys for Crotch’s bumble bee (CBB), which will require frequent travel throughout Central and Southern California. You’ll also contribute to a variety of regional biological fieldwork, including general biological reconnaissance surveys, vegetation mapping, and habitat assessments.

In addition to your field responsibilities, you’ll assist with project coordination, schedules, budgets, and technical reporting, giving you the opportunity to deepen your biological expertise while building project management skills within a collaborative team.

How We Collaborate

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include Ventura and Los Angeles.

What You’ll Do

• Lead focused Crotch’s bumble bee surveys in accordance with current California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guidance and MOU requirements

• Coordinate survey planning, field activities, data collection, documentation, and technical reporting for CBB projects

• Conduct general biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, vegetation mapping using Manual of California Vegetation (MCV), aquatic resource delineations, and other biological fieldwork

• Perform desktop reviews using biological databases, aerial imagery, mapping tools, literature, and other available resources

• Prepare technical reports, memoranda, biological resource assessments, aquatic resource delineation reports, and supporting documentation for CEQA/NEPA review and regulatory permitting

• Organize and interpret field data and participate in QA/QC processes to support accurate, high-quality deliverables

• Assist project managers with scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing coordination, deliverable tracking, and client communication

• Drive Rincon and personal vehicles across a variety of road conditions, including highways, rural roads, and off-road within project sites

What You’ll Bring

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field

• 3+ years of relevant experience in environmental consulting, biological fieldwork, or natural resource management

• A current CDFW MOU authorizing capture of Crotch’s bumble bee, or demonstrated qualifications to obtain one by spring 2027. Obtaining and maintaining the required MOU by spring 2027 is required for this role

• Experience conducting focused bumble bee surveys, including field data collection, species identification, documentation, and reporting

• Experience with biological reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, or related fieldwork

• Strong technical writing, research, and data-management skills

• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, CESA, ESA, the Clean Water Act, and related biological resource regulations

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with an interest in developing project and task management capabilities

• Detail-oriented and self-driven, with the ability to balance fieldwork, technical assignments, and multiple deadlines

• Flexibility to conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions and travel throughout California, including overnight stays and seasonal field demands

Nice to Have

• Experience conducting aquatic resource delineations and botanical surveys and preparing related technical reports

• Experience developing scopes, schedules, and budgets for CBB or other biological survey efforts

Investing in You

The base salary range for this full-time position is $72,000–$94,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median 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.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.

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.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. 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.