Senior Biologist

Epdsolutions; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

EPD Solutions is seeking a Senior Biologist in Irvine, CA to lead field surveys, habitat assessments, and CEQA/NEPA support. You will mentor junior biologists and ensure high-quality technical reports that meet regulatory expectations.

In a field-based hybrid role, you’ll oversee wetland delineations, jurisdictional surveys, and permit applications with agencies such as CDFW, USFWS, USACE, and RWQCB. Strong GIS, writing, and project-coordination skills are essential to deliver multiple projects

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of biological consulting experience.
• Hands-on experience conducting biological surveys, jurisdictional/wetland delineations, monitoring, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, with experience obtaining and negotiating agency permits.
• Proficiency with GIS/mapping tools; strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor biologists.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver multiple projects on schedule and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead field survey efforts in the field.
• Oversee preparation of constraints analyses, biological technical reports, and CEQA impact assessments.
• Develop impact analyses, mitigation measures, and monitoring requirements for CEQA documents.
• Coordinate with regulatory agency staff and oversee supporting technical content for permitting.
• Coordinate scope, schedule, and deliverables with clients, project managers, and environmental planners.
• Mentor junior staff in the field on safety, quality, and productivity.

Skills

Biological surveys

Regulatory compliance

GIS mapping

Technical writing

Leadership mentoring

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

GIS/mapping tools

Job description

Senior Biologist

Environmental | Reports to: Director of Biology | Irvine, CA (Field-Based/Hybrid) | Exempt

Why EPD

EPD Solutions is a multidisciplinary consulting firm that helps clients navigate complex development, environmental, and regulatory processes through an integrated approach and deep technical expertise.

Our multidisciplinary services include due diligence; environmental analysis and regulatory compliance; land use planning and entitlement services; transportation planning and engineering; biological resources; construction management; and technical studies, including air quality, noise, and health risk analysis.

Our success is built on collaboration, strong client partnerships, and a commitment to our people. Our five core values (Act with Integrity, Prioritize People, Innovate as a Team, Respect Always, and Passion for Expertise) guide how we work and support the communities we serve.

About the Role

As a Senior Biologist at EPD, you work shoulder-to-shoulder with planners and project managers from day one, so your field findings shape the project. You'll lead surveys, write the technical documents that support CEQA and NEPA approvals, and bring clients clear answers on biological constraints. Senior staff mentor your technical writing and field judgment, and you'll do the same for the biologists who come up behind you.

Critical Outcomes (First 6–12 Months)

• Lead field survey teams (habitat assessments, special-status species surveys, jurisdictional/wetland delineations) that consistently meet CEQA schedule deadlines.
• Produce biological technical reports and CEQA impact sections that clients and agencies accept with minimal revision.
• Review junior biologists' reports and mentor field staff, raising survey quality and safety standards across your teams.
• Prepare and submit permit applications to CDFW, USFWS, USACE, and RWQCB, coordinate with agency staff, and negotiate permit conditions as needed.

These outcomes anchor the first 6–12 months. Ongoing goals and priorities beyond that period will be discussed and set collaboratively with your supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead biological survey efforts in the field.
• Oversee preparation of constraints analyses, biological technical reports, and CEQA impact assessments.
• Develop impact analyses, mitigation measures, and monitoring requirements for CEQA documents.
• Coordinate with regulatory agency staff and oversee supporting technical content for permitting.
• Coordinate scope, schedule, and deliverables with clients, project managers, and environmental planners.
• Mentor junior staff in the field on safety, quality, and productivity.

Qualifications

Required

• 5–10 years of biological consulting experience
• Hands-on experience conducting biological surveys, jurisdictional/wetland delineations, monitoring, and reporting
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, with experience obtaining and negotiating agency permits
• Proficiency with GIS/mapping tools; strong technical writing and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor biologists
• Demonstrated ability to deliver multiple projects on schedule and within budget

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field
• Experienced wetland delineator; able to conduct listed and/or sensitive species surveys
• Experience preparing habitat restoration plans

Compensation & Benefits

EPD offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), PTO, FSA, life and disability insurance, and a discretionary bonus.