Lead Biologist

Sacbar; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Insignia in California seeks a Lead Biologist to manage field surveys, monitor environmental compliance, and prepare CEQA/NEPA documents. You will lead teams, oversee field crews on major utility projects, and coordinate with project teams to deliver high-quality reports.

The position requires a BS in biology or related field, 3+ years in environmental consulting, strong writing and communication skills, and willingness to travel 40–70% of the time across Northern California.

Qualifications

• BS in biology or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in environmental consulting preferred.
• Experience leading field teams and surveys, incl. rare plant surveys.
• Knowledge of CEQA/NEPA processes and environmental permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead biological field surveys, including rare plant surveys, biological assessments, and wetland delineations.
• Conduct biological monitoring for sensitive species and compliance reporting during construction.
• Prepare biological documents and CEQA/NEPA resources.
• Develop and submit permit applications (e.g., CWA, ESA) with agencies.
• Direct, oversee, and review team work to ensure timely, budget-aligned deliverables.
• Assist in scopes and costs for project proposals.

Skills

Field surveys

Team leadership

Communication

Technical editing

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Details

Insignia is looking for an experienced Lead Biologist to join our team. Responsibilities include performing biological fieldwork, leading and organizing field surveys, conducting biological research, developing impact assessments, assessing biological and waters permitting requirements, coordinating with project teams, and preparing reports. The Lead Biologist also performs environmental and/or biological monitoring to ensure compliance of construction activities with environmental permits and regulations. In addition, the Lead Biologist manages tasks on small projects independently and large projects with oversight. Travel and fieldwork account for 40 to 70 percent of this position.

Job Description

• Lead biological field surveys, including rare plant surveys, biological assessments, special-status species surveys, vegetation mapping, and wetland delineations.
• Conduct biological monitoring for sensitive species and/or environmental inspection for compliance with permit conditions and associated reporting during construction.
• Prepare biological documents, including special-status survey reports, biological resources technical reports, and biological resources sections of California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act (CEQA/NEPA) documents.
• Prepare resource agency permit applications, including Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 permits, and Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Section 10 documents.
• With the guidance of Senior Biologists, direct, oversee, and review others’ work to ensure that deliverables can be submitted to clients.
• Ensure work is conducted within the budgetary and scheduling constraints at the project level.
• Assist in the preparation of scopes and costs for project proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree or degree in biology, botany, ecology, or a related science.
• At least 3 years of experience in environmental consulting is strongly preferred.
• Technical expertise in one or more aspects of field biology, such as botany, wildlife biology, or wetland biology. For wildlife biologists, species-handling permits are desired.
• At least 2 years of experience with environmental compliance on major utility infrastructure projects in California.
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience with leading teams of field biologists and rare plant surveys and vegetation mapping within the Northern California region.
• At least 3 years of experience preparing resource agency permit applications, including Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Clean Water Act Section 404 and Section 401 permits, and Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Section 10 documents.
• Demonstrated experience with Northern California species, horticulture, and ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience conducting wetland delineations is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with federal and state regulations, including CEQA/NEPA, Clean Water Act, federal Endangered Species Act, and California Endangered Species Act.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and technical editing skills, with advanced experience in Microsoft Office.
• Rigorously detail-oriented and committed to accuracy.

Other

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel when needed.
• Willingness and ability to work fluctuating and/or long hours as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• While prioritizing health and safety, this position requires an individual who is able to walk and hike through varying degrees of difficult terrain. Individuals may also be required to perform their job responsibilities in inclement weather conditions.