Senior Biologist

GHD; Guadalupe (CA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD in Central California seeks a Senior Biologist to lead a team of natural resources scientists, environmental planners, and engineers on remedial, restoration, and capital projects across the central coast. The role emphasizes mentorship, proposal support, and client leadership in a hybrid San Luis Obispo office.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating with stakeholders and regulators, overseeing QA/QC of reports, and guiding field surveys and endangered species work, with

Qualifications

• MS in Natural Resources, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, or related degree.
• 12 years of field experience in natural resources surveys, especially for special status species.
• 10 years in environmental consulting and 6 years in full-cycle project management.
• Current USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) permits and CDFW MOUs preferred.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).

Responsibilities

• Lead client relations, schedule work, manage scopes and budgets.
• Communicate effectively with project teams and key stakeholders.
• Provide technical oversight of report preparation, QA/QC and project coordination.
• Assist with proposal development including scope and fees.
• Develop mitigation and supervision strategies and plans.
• Navigate regulatory requirements at federal, state, and local levels.
• Support permitting efforts with NRIA team and clients.
• Serve as primary contact with clients and deliver high-quality service.
• Cultivate relationships with strategic clients in the industry.
• Grow GHD's brand in natural resources and pursue new ideas for projects.
• Flexibility to support field efforts and travel as needed.

Skills

NEPA/CEQA docs

Regulatory coordination

Wildlife surveys

Botanical surveys

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Construction oversight

Fisheries biology

Education

MS in Natural Resources, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, or related degree

Job description

Job Description

Sr Biologist Team Lead

GHD has an exciting opportunity in Central California for a Senior Biologist! The Senior Biologist position will involve working with a team of natural resources scientists, environmental planners, engineers, and others to achieve project goals! GHD’s US West Region Natural Resources and Impact Assessment (NR&IA) Group supports projects throughout central coast region of California. Project work will largely include a variety of remedial construction and restoration projects in California, in addition to opportunities for capital improvement projects in both national and international projects. You will contribute to proposals and business development, leading and building a team of scientists, and mentoring and teaching young professionals.

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment. This position is locate in our San Luis Obispo office

Responsibilities

• Leading client relations, scheduling work, handling scopes of work, and managing budgets
• Communicate effectively with project team members and key individuals
• Provide technical oversight of report preparation, QA/QC, project coordination, and other management duties
• Proposal development including scope and fees
• Develop project mitigation and supervising strategies and plans
• Apply technical understanding of key regulations (federal, state, and local)
• Work with Natural Resources & Impact Assessment team members to secure federal, state, and municipal environmental permits as well as support critical initiatives
• Be a primary point of contact with internal and external clients to provide guidance on natural resource issues and deliver outstanding client service
• Develop relationships with other strategic clients within the professional community
• Grow the GHD brand as an authority in the natural resources space – this means staying up on the latest technologies, and bringing new ideas to project teams
• Flexibility to support field efforts, which may include long days and travel out of the region to construction sites

The ideal candidate would have the following skills

• Significant experience authoring NEPA, CEQA, Federal and State ESA documents and biology chapters as well as environmental permits such as 1602s, 404s, 401s, etc.
• Experience interacting with a variety of stakeholders including private entities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to develop a team of personnel effectively, as well as lead complex projects
• Meticulous in the ability to balance a diverse and changing workload
• Experience with project oversight and compliance, including leading biological construction and compliance monitoring effort
• Regulatory coordination
• Wildlife and Botanical Surveys
• Expertise in both wildlife biology and fisheries preferred

Qualifications

• MS in Natural Resources, Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, or related degree
• 12 years of proven experience in the field completing natural resources surveys and assessments (particularly for special status species) and/or similar qualifications that demonstrate a technical competence regarding biological resources in the Bay Area and/or southern California
• 10 years of experience in environmental consulting, and 6 years of full cycle project management experience
• Possession of current USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) Permits and CDFW Scientific Collecting Permits/MOUs for California wildlife or fisheries species (terrestrial and/or aquatic) preferred
• Certified Wildlife Scientist or similar certification is a bonus
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Salary Range $81,000-$166,000 based on experience and location