Senior Biologist: Habitat & Regulatory Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan matching

Health coverage

Time off

Student loan matching

Tuition reimbursement

Family-friendly benefits

Job summary

Kimley-Horn in Orange, CA is seeking a Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience to lead biological investigations, manage permitting, and mentor staff. The role focuses on CEQA/NEPA compliance, habitat assessments, and collaboration with planners, engineers, and environmental scientists to deliver sustainable solutions.

Applicants should have a biology-related degree (Master’s preferred) and strong communication skills to interact with agencies and clients.

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 regulatory frameworks (CEQA/NEPA).
• Experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
• Strong project management with the ability to handle multiple tasks, budgets, deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication interfacing with clients and agencies.
• Team-oriented with leadership ability to mentor junior staff.

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.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Client communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS mapping

Job description

Kimley-Horn in Orange, CA is seeking a Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience to lead biological investigations, manage permitting, and mentor staff. The role focuses on CEQA/NEPA compliance, habitat assessments, and collaboration with planners, engineers, and environmental scientists to deliver sustainable solutions.

Applicants should have a biology-related degree (Master’s preferred) and strong communication skills to interact with agencies and clients.