Principal of Natural Resources - Renewables

Rincon Consultants, Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage options

Retirement benefits

Generous time off

Professional development

Job summary

Rincon Consultants, Inc. in California seeks a senior leader to manage client relationships and drive growth in the Energy and Utilities market, focusing on renewable energy or utilities based on expertise.

You will oversee cross-functional teams and provide strategic direction across Rincon’s disciplines. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years in environmental consulting, strong communication, and proven leadership in business development and program management, with a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, including project management, business development, and technical leadership within energy/utilities sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the statewide Energy and Utilities market development and collaborate with Rincon leaders
• Manage key client relationships and support renewable energy production and utility projects
• Drive business development including proposals, client outreach, marketing, and strategic planning
• Oversee operations, including contract and risk management, ensuring program efficiency and compliance
• Provide final QA/QC reviews for technical studies and ensure projects meet schedule and budget goals
• Delegate and manage technical assignments to ensure successful project completion
• Guide Rincon’s renewable energy and utilities services ensuring regulatory compliance and excellence
• Recruit and develop staff for renewable energy and utilities programs
• Mentor senior staff on strategic thinking, business development, and program management
• Lead teams to high performance and manage performance reviews and development

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client management

Business development

QA/QC oversight

Team leadership

Proven communication

Mentorship

Budgeting

SharePoint

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or related field

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people‑centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team‑member experiences.

About The Role

This leadership role involves managing client relationships, overseeing internal teams, and driving both current programs and new business development in the Energy and Utilities market. The focus will be on either renewable energy or utilities, depending on the candidate’s expertise. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in business development, client management, strategic consulting, QA/QC oversight, and team leadership. This position also involves working closely with Rincon leaders across multiple disciplines and service lines. Strong communication and mentorship skills are essential for success in this role.

How We Collaborate

While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in‑office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote‑work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in‑person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Business Development and Client Management

• Lead the development and oversight of Rincon’s statewide Energy and Utilities market, collaborating with other Rincon leaders
• Manage key client relationships and support renewable energy production and utility projects
• Drive business development, including proposal preparation, client outreach, marketing, and strategic planning for the Energy and Utilities market
• Align business development efforts with other service lines to pursue strategic opportunities

Operations and Technical Guidance

• Oversee business operations, including contract and risk management, ensuring program efficiency and compliance
• Provide final quality assurance reviews for technical studies and ensure projects meet schedule and budget goals
• Delegate and manage technical assignments to ensure successful project completion
• Guide Rincon’s renewable energy and utilities services, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence

Talent Advancement and Team Leadership

• Recruit and develop qualified staff for renewable energy and utilities programs
• Mentor senior staff on strategic thinking, business development, and program management
• Lead and motivate teams to ensure high performance and productivity, while managing performance reviews and professional development

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or a related field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, including project management, business development, and technical leadership within the energy or utilities sectors, with a focus on overseeing high‑stakes projects and driving business growth
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational skills, with expertise in budgeting and client engagement, ensuring successful project delivery and business expansion in the renewable energy and utilities sectors
• Strong business acumen and customer service skills, with active participation in industry organizations and leadership in regulatory and industry standards
• Proven ability to streamline processes and workflows for greater efficiency while managing and building collaborative teams
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms (e.g., SharePoint), with strong file management, time management, and organizational skills to handle complex projects

Investing in You

The base salary range for this full‑time position is $170,000–$190,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third‑party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well‑being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer‑sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug‑Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.