Lead Biologist, Field & Regulatory Specialist

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

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.