Principal Scientist I

West Yost; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 131,397 - 205,210; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid professional memberships

Job summary

West Yost is hiring a Principal Scientist I in Sacramento or Davis, CA, for a hybrid role that demands a blend of technical, project management, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will oversee complex scientific projects and supervise a team while fostering client relationships and maintaining high-quality standards.

This full-time position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of professional experience. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) match, and support for ongoing education.

Qualifications

• 15+ years professional experience in a related technical field.
• Experienced project manager with a budget of $1M or higher.
• Knowledgeable in California law and policy related to groundwater management.

Responsibilities

• Manage or lead multiple complex projects requiring innovative investigation techniques.
• Prepare complex technical reports.
• Supervise a team performing field data collection and sampling programs.
• Develop business opportunities and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Project management

Excellent communication skills

Technical writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science

Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science

Job description

Principal Scientist I

Compensation Range: $131,397 - $205,210 (based on Davis, CA location).
Status: Full‑time, Exempt
Location: Davis or Sacramento, CA
Hybrid role – 3 days in office, 2 days remote.

Job Description

This role blends technical, project management, business development, and managerial duties. It works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex scientific and planning projects, with an emphasis on surface water and groundwater resources. The incumbent handles all aspects of consulting business, including corporate initiatives, business and client development, direction of technical work, and supervision of junior team members. Competence across the entire project cycle—client development, project scoping, project management, team management, training, and deliverables—is required.

Essential Duties

• Manage or lead multiple complex projects requiring innovative investigation techniques
• Prepare complex technical reports
• Perform QA/QC of technical investigations performed by others
• Develop business opportunities with existing clients and maintain client relationships
• Supervise the team performing field data collection and sampling programs that support scientific investigations
• Provide technical direction and training to less experienced professional staff
• Manage up to 8 direct reports

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties or responsibilities; they may change at any time with or without written notice.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science
• 15+ years professional experience in a related technical field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experienced project manager able to manage a combined budget of $1M or higher
• Knowledgeable in California law and policy related to groundwater management
• Prior experience managing at least 3 direct reports

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science
• 10+ years engineering consulting experience
• Expertise in California law and policy related to groundwater management
• Leadership training

Travel Requirements

*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

Benefits

Standard Benefits

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. These include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave, holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and pet insurance.

Other Unique Benefits

Support in ongoing education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. Recognition for contributions through milestone anniversary benefits, peer‑to‑peer recognition programs, potential employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance‑based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. A wellness reimbursement is also offered.