Senior Biologist

Harris & Associates; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris & Associates is seeking a Senior Biologist in Salinas, CA, to lead biological surveys and manage various environmental compliance projects. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in biology and proven project management skills, working in a collaborative environment. This position offers strong growth opportunities and competitive compensation.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K Match

Flexible hybrid/remote work plans

Tuition reimbursement

Paid Leave Programs

Qualifications

• 8+ years as a biologist, including 6+ in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties.
• Experience in environmental consulting and regulatory agency interactions.
• Skilled in wildlife surveys and biological assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead biological surveys and habitat assessments.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and compliance.
• Provide mentorship to junior staff and support business development.

Skills

Biological surveys

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s in Biology or Ecology

Job description

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Who We Are

Our Environmental Planning + Compliance team has decades of experience in CEQA and NEPA compliance and delivering legally defensible environmental documents, environmental constraints

Who We Are

Our Environmental Planning + Compliance team has decades of experience in CEQA and NEPA compliance and delivering legally defensible environmental documents, environmental constraints

analysis, and technical studies. Our capabilities include specialized teams in biology, archaeology, and sustainability. We prioritize our clients’ goals by selecting the right level of environmental documentation to meet regulatory requirements and avoid delays, keeping projects moving efficiently toward successful outcomes.

Harris has an opening for a Senior Biologist to join our Environmental Planning and Compliance team in the Biology Group. If you are a passionate and motivated professional looking for a collaborative environment at a firm that invests heavily in your growth, you could be a perfect fit for Harris & Associates. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and proven record of working collaboratively in a team environment.

What You Will Do…

• Lead staff in conducting general and focused biological surveys, including protocol sensitive species surveys and habitat assessments for sensitive species.
• Lead and manage staff in preparing biological resource documents, serving as primary author or senior reviewer.
• Serve as subject matter expert or regional expert for sensitive biological resources and habitats.
• Manage data collection and management tasks and when required, write protocols for data collection for surveys.
• Oversee biological analyses and develop strategic approaches for clients while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Serve as project manager or technical lead on a variety of biological resource projects, focusing on managing scheduling, logistics, budgeting, and agency and client coordination.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, providing species expertise and career development support to foster teamwork and staff growth.
• Manage small- and large-scale projects, including scheduling, compliance monitoring, and client/agency coordination.
• Manage subconsultants and ensuring quality control goals are met.
• Handle project management tasks, including forecasting, budgeting, invoicing, and contract review.
• Take initiative and resolve issues to assure client needs are addressed.
• Work closely with staff to develop innovative approaches to resource assessment that meet client needs and can withstand agency and public scrutiny.
• Support business development, contributing to proposals, client interviews, and team growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
  
  

What You Will Have...

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s in Biology or Ecology with 8+ years as a biologist, including 6+ years in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties.
• Experience working in environmental consulting.
• Deep knowledge of special-status, plants, wildlife, and environmental protections with a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit and/or USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) for Northern California species highly preferred
• Skilled in wildlife/plant surveys, habitat assessments, vegetation mapping, and biological reconnaissance.
• Strong understanding of CEQA, NEPA, permitting processes, and environmental compliance monitoring.
• Experienced in consulting with regulatory agencies and ensuring compliance with special-status species protections.
• Ability to provide guidance to junior and mid-level biologists, overseeing project tasks, budgets, and technical reports.
• Experienced in electronic data collection, large dataset management, and technical report writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-project environments.
  
  

Preferred Candidates Will Have...

• Experience conducting jurisdictional aquatic resources delineations and assessments.
• Understanding of regulatory agency application and permitting processes.
  
  

Work Environment

The Biologist must be capable of working in temperature extremes for long hours and be able to handle strenuous physical activity and conditions (i.e., hiking for hours a day while carrying equipment).

About Harris

Harris & Associates is a 100% employee-owned company focused on solving today's complex challenges in the planning, designing, and constructing of public infrastructure. We serve clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities by providing a long-term financial framework as they plan their future. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California, Nevada, and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners.

Harris fosters a collaborative work environment, understanding that diverse perspectives enhance our ability to better serve our clients and their communities. We are deeply passionate about our work, our clients, our team’s personal and professional growth. We offer a mentorship program, on-the-job training, Harris University, and an annual staff summit all aimed at developing well-rounded consultants proficient in the full spectrum of services we provide. Additionally, we prioritize a healthy work-life balance and organized social and team building events.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range offered for this position is $85K-150K. Actual pay offered will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate.

In Addition To Base Salary, We Also Offer

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• ESOP
• 401K Match
• PTO, 8 Paid Holidays + "1 WorkAversary" paid holiday to celebrate you!
• Health & Well-Being Allowance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible hybrid/remote work plans
• Paid Leave Programs such as maternity, parentally, and family medical leave
  
  

Harris & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability) and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harris expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Business Consulting and Services

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