Principal Ecological Scientist/Engineer

McMillen, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with match

Generous PTO

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

A leading ecological consulting firm is looking for a skilled Principal Ecological Scientist/Engineer in Los Angeles, CA. The role focuses on natural resource planning, management, and urban biodiversity. Ideal candidates will have over 20 years of relevant experience, a Master's or Doctorate in environmental science or related fields, and strong interpersonal skills. The position offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience related to water resources and fish passage.
• Adept at spatial data analysis and innovative thought processes.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage multi-discipline teams for fisheries restoration projects.
• Serve as an active seller-doer focused on client relationships.
• Supervise and mentor technical discipline leads and engineers.

Skills

Natural resource planning

Urban biodiversity

Ecosystem restoration

Fish passage

Wildlife connectivity

Education

Masters or Doctorate in environmental science

Degree in landscape architecture

Degree in natural resource ecology and management

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Principal Ecological Scientist/Engineer who is highly skilled in natural resource planning, management, and design with a focus on urban biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, fish passage, and wildlife connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Effectively manage multi-discipline teams for general heavy civil and fisheries restoration/fish passage projects and programs.
• Serve as an active seller-doer primarily focused on cultivating existing relationships and seeking out new opportunities with existing clients, identifying potential new clients and forthcoming opportunities, and cross‑selling services.
• Manage projects including client expectations and project scope, schedule, and budgets, ensuring deliverables meet contracted obligations.
• Work in conjunction with engineers, geologists, and scientists to solve project challenges.
• Perform regular QA/QC audits for staff.
• Supervise and mentor technical discipline leads and engineers in a respectful and collaborative manner that promotes positive team spirit.
• Provide guidance to technical discipline leads to monitor project scoping, budgets, monthly operating plans and resource allocation.
• Participate in professional development and training activities.

Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate in environmental science and engineering, landscape architecture, and natural resource ecology and management preferred.
• Experience in directing large multi‑discipline teams to produce landscape‑scale change from concept design, feasibility study to final design as well as multispecies watershed‑scale plans, master plans, and strategic plans.
• Adept at spatial data analysis and innovative thought processes to integrate ecological priorities into communities and infrastructure.
• Broad water resource expertise in environmental flows and river connectivity and barrier removal is desired.
• 20+ years of experience related to water resources and fish passage and stream restoration engineering
• Skilled in reading, interpreting and communicating contract documents, plans and specifications
• Knowledge of the application of engineering and construction related to water resources‑related infrastructure
• Ability to liaise with clients and build/develop relationships effectively
• Ability to multi‑task to meet business and client needs
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to convey technical information through written and verbal communication (English)
• Ability to work in a team environment, work independently and be self‑motivated

Compensation Package

• Pay Range:$200,000 (DOE)
• Benefits:McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

Who we are

McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee‑owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting‑edge technology, and a balanced work‑life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results‑driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real‑world functionality.

EEO

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.