Senior Biologist

Kimley-Horn; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2:1 retirement match

Health coverage

Flexible schedule

Student loan matching

Tuition reimbursement

New Parent Leave

Job summary

Kimley-Horn’s Environmental team in Orange, CA seeks a Senior Biologist to lead biological investigations for complex projects. You will mentor staff, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver high-quality environmental service to clients.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in surveys, permitting, and compliance, with strong communication and project-management skills and familiarity with California flora and fauna.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance in California.
• Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and CEQA/NEPA regulatory frameworks.
• Experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
• Strong project management, budgeting, and deadline leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients and agencies.
• Team-oriented with ability to mentor junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration, and sensitive species surveys.
• Prepare and review biological reports and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA.
• Provide regulatory guidance and obtain permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, CDFW, USACE).
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
• Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and meet timelines and budgets.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to training within the Environmental team.
• Build relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders.

Skills

Biology

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn is a leading civil engineering and consulting firm known for our exceptional client service and commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. Our Environmental team in Orange, CA, is looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Biologist to help us tackle complex projects and make meaningful impacts.

Position Overview:We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
• Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
• Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
• Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
• Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
• Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
• Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
• Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
• Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
• Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.

Salary Range:$120,000 to $160,000

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it - that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.