Regional Biology Lead

BKF Engineers; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 153,691 - 187,845; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

Generous paid time off

Job summary

BKF Engineers is seeking a Bay Area Regional Biology Lead to join our biological resources team. This role involves overseeing projects, managing a team, and engaging in business development activities. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in vegetation mapping and habitat assessments, with strong skills in project management and technical writing.

Located in San Jose, this position offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible schedules and education reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in vegetation mapping and habitat assessments.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle critical conversations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight on biological and regulatory permitting projects.
• Lead business development efforts and manage proposals.
• Train team members on best fieldwork practices.

Skills

Project management oversight

Business development activities

Technical writing

Data analysis

Communication

Staff management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Resources or related field

Master’s degree in a related field preferred

Tools

Wetland delineation training

Job description

At BKF, we’re not just growing—we’re thriving! As a dynamic multi‑service consulting firm, we specialize in planning, engineering, surveying, and construction management. With more than 20 West Coast offices, we’ve been a trusted partner in the land development, transportation, water resources, and government services markets for over 110 years. We combine deep technical resources with a collaborative approach to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that bring community visions to life.

BKF is hiring a Bay Area Regional Biology Lead to support our growing biological resources and regulatory permitting team. The role is compatible with remote work, but a physical presence in the Bay Area is required. The ideal candidate will lead a team of biologists and regulatory specialists, manage projects, and assist with business development.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide project management oversight on projects, including preparing and managing project budgets and task descriptions, and interacting with clients.
• Lead business development activities, including preparing proposals, participating in project interviews, and conducting proactive business development with key clients.
• Act as a project/task manager on biological and regulatory permitting projects.
• Support clients in environmental permitting, including Incidental Take Permits, Habitat Conservation Plan drafting and consistency analyses, Clean Water Act 401 and 404 permits, California Coastal Commission permits, and CDFW Section 1600 permitting. Provide and compare multiple permitting pathways.
• Lead jurisdictional delineations and related fieldwork supporting regulatory permitting, and train team members on best fieldwork practices.
• Drive thought leadership and MNS name recognition by presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and serving in professional organizations.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
• Supervise and manage entry‑level staff, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.

Requirements

• Established relationships with potential Bay Area clients; must be physically based in the Bay Area.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Resources, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Completion of wetland delineation training from a recognized program.
• 10+ years of experience in vegetation mapping, habitat assessments, jurisdictional delineation of waters and wetlands, and presence/absence surveys.
• Experience supporting mitigation compliance and construction monitoring projects.
• Staff and project/task management experience preferred.
• Strong technical writing, data analysis, and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Articulate and persuasive communicator, both one‑on‑one and in front of large groups.
• A high‑energy, passionate, forward‑thinking, results‑oriented team player and resourceful leader.
• Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers, and leaders.

Physical Demands

Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard, and mouse, and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions

Exposure to constant or intermittent office‑level sounds, high‑stress, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $153,691.00 – $187,845.00, annualized, depending on skills, experience, education, and location. Paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401(k).
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 paid holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement, paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• BKF offers competitive and award‑winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.