Lead Biologist

Insignia Environmental; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) equivalent program

Medical insurance including dependents

Paid time off (accrual)

Job summary

Insignia Environmental is seeking a seasoned environmental biologist to lead field surveys, monitor sensitive species, and prepare CEQA/NEPA documents in Northern California.

You will direct teams, ensure regulatory compliance on major utility projects, and contribute to proposal scoping and budgeting, with emphasis on accuracy and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in biology, botany, ecology, or related science.
• 3+ years of experience in environmental consulting preferred.
• Technical expertise in field biology (botany, wildlife, or wetland).
• 2+ years of environmental compliance experience on major utility projects in CA.
• 4+ years leading field biologist teams and conducting rare plant surveys in Northern CA.
• 3+ years preparing resource agency permit applications (CEQA/NEPA, CWA, Endangered Species Act).
• Knowledge of CA/NOR regulation and ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent writing and technical editing skills; proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead biological field surveys (rare plants, habitats, wetland delineations).
• Conduct biological monitoring and environmental inspections for permit compliance during construction.
• Prepare biological documents and CEQA/NEPA related sections.
• Prepare permit applications (Lake & Streambed Alteration, CWA §404/§401, ESA §7/§10).
• Oversee teams to ensure timely, budget-conscious deliverables.
• Assist in scoping and costing for proposals.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Writing and editing

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in biology/related science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Insignia Environmental (Insignia) is a collaborative, fast-paced growing environmental consulting firm full of bright, motivated employees. Our services are focused on the unique needs of energy projects, including renewables, electricity, and gas. We pride ourselves on being solution-oriented and go beyond traditional environmental review and permitting to leverage innovative concepts and technology to deliver results for our clients. Our reputation in the industry precedes us, and we are extremely proud of it!

Why Join Us?

We love our employees, listen to their input, and strive to take care of them. We are constantly investing in and providing opportunities for development and growth through internal training programs and our professional development program. We frequently gather for teambuilding events to strengthen our relationships and celebrate our employees’ milestones. We value giving back to our community and hold several volunteer events for our employees every year.

In support of our goal of being the best place to work, Insignia offers a casual, flexible work environment with generous benefits, including a 401(k)-equivalent program, medical insurance (including partial coverage for significant others and dependents), and an above-industry amount of paid time off that escalates with tenure. Our canine friends are invited to “work” in the office with us!

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.

Benefits and Compensation

• The pay range for this position is $80,000 to $105,000 per year.
• Insignia is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, Insignia benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program, retirement savings plan, and bonuses.

Insignia may request, for lawful employment purposes, background information about candidates from a consumer reporting agency in connection with employment.

Insignia is an equal opportunity employer. Insignia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental or physical disability, genetic predisposition or characteristics, or any other characteristics protected by applicable state or federal civil rights law.