Botanist at Rincon Consultants, Inc – Ventura, California

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ 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 Botanist to join our Natural Resources team. This role offers the opportunity to apply local ecological knowledge and scientific expertise across diverse California habitats and project locations to help clients meet regulatory requirements, evaluate sensitive habitats, and support effective mitigation and restoration strategies, while working alongside a team that values quality, partnership, and purpose.

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. Ideal office locations for this role include Los Angeles and Ventura.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct rare plant surveys, habitat assessments, and vegetation mapping across California ecosystems

• Travel to field locations throughout California, including willingness to conduct overnight fieldwork as needed to support project requirements

• Support proposal development, including scopes of work and technical input

• Communicate with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to support project implementation

• Provide technical guidance and field support to junior staff

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery

• Analyze biological data and support impact assessment and mitigation development

• Coordinate and manage tasks or small projects, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking

• Identify plant species using dichotomous keys and standard vegetation classification protocols

• Perform compliance monitoring during construction and prepare monitoring logs and reports

• Prepare botanical survey reports and related technical documentation

• Conduct biological resources assessments, including documentation of vegetation communities and special-status plant species, and prepare related technical reports

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field

• 4–7+ years of experience conducting botanical surveys and biological assessments in California

• Background in rare plant surveys, vegetation classification, and habitat assessments

• Proficiency in plant identification using dichotomous keys and regional floras

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations (e.g., ESA, CESA, Clean Water Act, CEQA)

• Experience preparing botanical survey reports and biological resources assessments (BRA)

• Working knowledge of GPS/GIS tools and vegetation mapping techniques

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience working both independently in the field and leading field teams

• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions

• Willingness to travel extensively across California, including seasonal demands and overnight stays
  

Nice to Haves (Optional)

• Experience with impact analysis and mitigation measure development for rare plants

• Proficiency with aquatic resource delineations

• Restoration planning, monitoring, or habitat management experience

• Experience preparing or contributing to CEQA documentation, including biological resources sections, impact analysis, and mitigation measure development
  

Investing in You

The base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000–$115,000, 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, Inc 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.