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 (partial coverage)

Paid time off (above industry)

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Insignia Environmental, a growing environmental consulting firm, seeks an experienced Lead Biologist in California. The role focuses on leading fieldwork, coordinating surveys, and developing technical reports to support CEQA/NEPA documentation.

You will manage field schedules, mentor staff, and contribute to client-facing deliverables while traveling up to 40–70% during peak seasons. A BS in biology or related field and 5+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, botany, ecology, or a related science.
• At least 5 years of professional biological experience.
• At least 3 years of environmental consulting experience.
• At least 3 years of leading biological field efforts, including planning and scheduling.
• Experience conducting and leading biological surveys (rare plant surveys, vegetation mapping).
• At least 3 years of technical writing experience preparing biological documents.
• Experience supporting environmental compliance on major California utility projects.
• Experience preparing resource agency permit applications (LSAAs, CWA 404/401, ESA Sec 7/10).
• Ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client coordination.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead biological field surveys, including rare plant surveys and vegetation mapping.
• Conduct biological monitoring and environmental compliance inspections during construction.
• Prepare CEQA/NEPA-related biological reports and permit documents.
• Prepare resource agency permit applications (LSAAs, CWA 404/401, ESA Sec 7/10).
• With guidance from senior staff, direct and review others’ work on projects.
• Manage assigned work within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Assist with scopes of work and cost estimates for proposals.

Skills

Field surveys

Technical writing

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Biology field methods

Education

Bachelor of Science in biology or related science

Job description

About Insignia Environmental

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!

Position Details

Insignia is seeking an experienced Lead Biologist to perform and lead biological fieldwork, coordinate surveys, conduct biological research and impact assessments, evaluate biological and aquatic resource permitting requirements, and prepare technical reports and permit applications. The role also includes biological monitoring and environmental inspection during construction, independently managing tasks on smaller projects, and supporting larger, more complex projects under senior oversight.

The balance of field- and office-based responsibilities will vary based on project needs and seasonal demands. During peak field seasons, travel and fieldwork may account for approximately 40 to 70 percent of the role. Non-peak periods will generally focus on technical writing and review, desktop analysis, project coordination and management, client communication, and field planning. These allocations are estimates and may vary based on workload and operational needs.

Job Description

• Lead biological field surveys, including rare plant surveys, biological assessments, special-status species surveys, vegetation mapping, and wetland delineations.
• Conduct biological monitoring and environmental compliance inspections during construction, including monitoring for sensitive species, compliance with permit conditions, and associated reporting.
• 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 guidance from Senior Biologists, direct, oversee, and review others’ work the work of other Insignia staff and support preparation of client-ready deliverables.
• Manage assigned work within project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Assist with preparation of scopes of work and cost estimates for project proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, botany, ecology, or a related science.
• At least 5 years of professional biological experience, with demonstrated technical expertise in one or more areas of field biology, such as botany, wildlife biology, wetland biology, or related biological resources.
• At least 3 years of environmental consulting experience is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience leading biological field efforts, including survey planning, staffing and scheduling, field logistics, safety, client coordination, survey requirements and triggers, and execution of work within project scope.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and leading biological surveys, including rare plant surveys and vegetation mapping. Wetland delineation experience is strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of technical writing experience preparing biological documents, including special-status species survey reports, biological resources technical reports, and biological resources sections of CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Experience supporting environmental compliance on major California utility infrastructure projects and working knowledge of applicable federal and state environmental regulations.
• 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, is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client coordination.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, communication, and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.

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. 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 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.

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