Associate Permitting Specialist/Biologist

Spheros Environmental; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities for bonuses

401(k) contributions

Professional growth opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm seeks an Associate Permitting Specialist/Biologist who will support environmental compliance projects in the U.S., particularly in California. The role involves technical writing, biological resource data collection, and coordinating field logistics. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and have 3-10 years of experience in environmental permitting. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3–10 years of experience in environmental permitting and biological resource studies.
• Current USFWS permits for T&E species protocol surveys.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical resource knowledge in areas like botany and fisheries.
• Independently draft planning documents and permit applications.
• Participate in field visits for resource-specific surveys.

Skills

Technical writing

Environmental permitting

Biological resource knowledge

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Education

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Ecology, or related

Tools

Microsoft 365

GPS tools

ESRI FieldMaps

Job description

Associate Permitting Specialist/Biologist

Location: Flexible (Hybrid or 100% Remote, California Preferred)

Compensation: $85,000 - $105,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)

The position of Associate Planner/Permitting Specialist is geared toward an individual with experience supporting environmental compliance requirements of projects in the western U.S., specifically relating to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and California‑specific natural resource laws and regulations. The primary objective of this mid‑level position is to support Ironwood/Spheros Environmental project managers in carrying out complex permitting tasks on larger projects and independently carry out permitting/planning tasks with limited oversight on smaller projects. The Associate Planner/Permitting Specialist provides technical writing skills, natural resource knowledge, and helps the project resource specialists and project managers prepare deliverables, carry out environmental resource impact studies, and some data collection.

This is a full‑time position and is primarily office based (90 percent) with an expectation that occasional fieldwork and/or site visits will be required to understand project natural resource concerns and compliance requirements. This position will support multiple projects and include multiple responsibilities including technical writing, interpretation of scientific information and environmental regulations, and some staffing coordination. The individual would work directly with project managers with the goal of expanding project management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides technical resource knowledge within one or more resource specialty areas (e.g., botany, environmental permitting, fisheries, wildlife, wetlands, etc.) and works to expand technical competencies beyond a single resource area.
• Works with the project manager to identify biological resource data collection requirements based on project location and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with GIS staff about what GIS deliverables are needed for specific projects.
• Supports project staffing and field logistics as needed.
• Independently drafts language for planning documents under NEPA/CEQA.
• Independently prepares sections of permit applications.
• Independently, with support/guidance of senior permitting specialist/project manager and technical resource staff, leads preparation of technical reports.
• Participates in occasional field visits and surveys including assisting with special status species protocol surveys, reconnaissance surveys, habitat assessments, wetland and waters delineation, and other resource‑specific surveys as qualifications permit.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university in the field of Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 3–10 years of experience and knowledge with environmental permitting, technical writing, and supporting biological resource studies.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft 365 programs including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Strong technical writing skills and effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of field technology tools, including familiarity with using a handheld GPS unit (e.g., Garmin or similar) and ESRI FieldMaps and Survey123.
• Familiarity with state regulations in California, Nevada, and/or Colorado and with federal environmental regulations including, but not limited to, FESA, CESA, CEQA, CWA, and NEPA.
• Relevant experience with environmental permitting and natural resources studies for conservation/restoration, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects.
• Experience with projects involving federal resource management agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and/or U.S. Forest Service.
• Current USFWS permits or ability to be permitted for T&E species protocol surveys.
• NEPA/CEQA knowledge and experience.
• Familiarity with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act consultation process.
• Familiarity with Section 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act compliance requirements.

Other Preferred Skills And Abilities

• Detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, proactive.
• Committed to completing tasks effectively.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to identify western U.S. common plant and wildlife species.
• Prior experience contributing to NEPA and CEQA documents and/or preparing environmental permit applications specific to California.
• Experience with EndNote or other word processing tools.
• Experience with and knowledge of permitting and compliance requirements for large‑scale renewable energy projects is a plus.

Why Spheros Environmental

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $85,000 – $105,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
• Work‑Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
• Global Impact: Potential for national and international travel for project oversight and client engagement.
• Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Apply today!

Spheros Environmental is an equal‑opportunity employer.