Senior Biologist and Project Manager

Environmental Science Associates; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual company share allocation through ESOP

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and professional development bonuses

Job summary

Environmental Science Associates is seeking an experienced Senior Biologist and Project Manager in Seattle. The role involves leading complex projects, coordinating with clients and teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the Pacific Northwest.

The ideal candidate has over 20 years in wildlife studies and project management, with responsibilities including business development and mentoring junior staff. Hybrid work options and comprehensive benefits are offered, including a salary range of $120,000 – $175,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years of experience delivering projects in the Northwest United States.
• Expertise in aquatic resource evaluations and wildlife surveys.
• Experience working with federal and state agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex biological resource projects.
• Coordinate with teams and clients to prepare necessary documents.
• Develop new business opportunities and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Wildlife studies

Wetland delineations

Project management

Budget management

Strong communication skills

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or related field

Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm that plans, designs, permits, mitigates, and restores projects across communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. With 50 years of experience and 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States, ESA delivers sustainable solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges.

ESA seeks a highly motivated Senior Biologist and Project Manager to join our Northwest Biological Resources and Land Management team. The ideal candidate has at least 20 years of experience delivering projects in the Northwest United States and has a proven track record in wildlife studies, wetland delineations, permitting, mitigation, and regulatory compliance in Washington, Oregon, and other Northwest states. The candidate must also have project‑management expertise, including staff level‑of‑effort oversight, budget management, and contract administration. Experience across multiple markets—such as airports, renewable energy, community development, and transportation—is preferred.

This full‑time, salaried, exempt position requires working 32–40 hours per week with a hybrid work arrangement (1–2 days per month onsite or more) from our Northwest offices in Seattle, Portland, or Bend. Approximately 30% of the role involves travel for team collaboration, project visits, and field work, with the remaining 70% conducted in the office.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage complex biological resource projects from permitting through construction, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
• Coordinate with internal teams, sub‑consultants, and clients to prepare technical reports, permit applications, and mitigation plans for state and federal agencies such as USFWS, NMFS, WDFW, ODFW, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service.
• Provide quality assurance/quality control oversight on all deliverables and mentor junior staff.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and prepare proposals, scopes of work, and budgets.
• Lead field survey efforts, collect data, and serve as the primary author of environmental documents including wetland and stream reports, biological assessments, and Endangered Species Act submissions.

Who You Are

• Senior Biologist and Project Manager with a minimum of 20 years’ experience and strong communication skills.
• Experienced in aquatic resource evaluations, wildlife surveys, project permitting, and project management across Washington, Oregon, and other Northwest states.
• Proven track record working with federal and state agencies (USFWS, NMFS, WDFW, ODFW, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, BLM, U.S. Forest Service) and a familiarity with FAA requirements is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi‑phase projects, meet milestones, and provide QA/QC oversight.
• Strong business‑development mindset and experience acquiring work through professional networks.
• Primary author on Environmental Documents such as Wetland and Stream Reports and Biological Assessments for ESA consultations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, known for clear, concise, and well‑supported documentation.
• Experience delivering environmental studies for large linear projects, transportation, aviation, and renewable energy.
• Proficient at building and maintaining client relationships across multiple markets and geographies.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently or in a team.
• Physical capability to conduct fieldwork under diverse conditions, including long walks, lifting up to 40 pounds, and working in remote, rural, or urban settings.
• Holder of a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in biology or a related environmental or ecological field.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (70% paid for employee and dependent family).
• Annual company share allocation through ESOP.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and conference attendance support.

Salary range: $120,000 – $175,000 USD, based on experience, education, skill set, and location.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)