Senior Biologist / Project Manager – Utilities

rinconconsultants; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Senior Biologist / Project Manager to join our Utilities program in California. You will support environmental review, biological resource analyses, permitting, and regulatory compliance for electric utility and transmission projects.

The role blends technical work with project management, mentoring junior staff, and client collaboration. Flexible hybrid work and opportunities across multiple California offices are available.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience preparing CEQA/NEPA analyses.
• Knowledge of California regulatory environment and permitting programs.
• Experience in regulatory permitting, botanical and wildlife surveys, aquatic resource delineations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review Biological Resource Assessments and CEQA/NEPA analyses.
• Conduct fieldwork such as wetland delineations and species surveys.
• Coordinate studies for permitting and compliance.
• Apply CEQA, NEPA, CWA, ESA, CESA, and California Coastal Act.
• Collaborate with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain QA/QC processes on work products.
• Manage small-to-moderate biological projects and mentor junior staff.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and deliverables.
• Serve as day-to-day client contact and coordinate with regulatory agencies.

Skills

Biology

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Education

BS/MS in Biology

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in the transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency. We are committed to fostering a workplace that supports personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and team member experiences.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Biologist / Project Manager to join our Utilities program and support environmental review, biological resource analysis, permitting, and regulatory compliance for electric utility and transmission projects.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys managing technical and permitting assignments, navigating California’s regulatory environment, and collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will manage small-to-moderate projects or defined components of larger efforts while remaining engaged in technical work and supporting the development of junior staff.

How We Collaborate

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office.

Eligible office locations for this role include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

What You’ll Do

Technical Work and Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and review biological and environmental deliverables, including: Biological Resource Assessments, CEQA and NEPA biological analyses, aquatic resource delineations and permit applications, feasibility studies and biological constraints analyses
• Conduct or manage fieldwork such as wetland delineations, special-status species surveys, biological monitoring, and restoration projects.
• Coordinate technical studies and review analyses for consistency with project permitting and compliance requirements.
• Interpret and apply relevant local, state, and federal regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, ESA, CESA, and the California Coastal Act.
• Collaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, technical specialists, and multidisciplinary project teams to support efficient and defensible project delivery.
• Follow established QA/QC processes and help maintain technical quality across work products.

Project Management and Client Support

• Manage small-to-moderate biological assessment, permitting, and compliance projects or defined components of larger utility projects.
• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Serve as a day-to-day contact for clients and regulatory agencies on assigned projects.
• Identify permitting needs, regulatory risks, and biological constraints, and elevate complex issues as appropriate.
• Coordinate the work of project team members and subcontractors.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff.
• Manage multiple assignments while maintaining clear communication and consistent follow-through.

Business Development

• Contribute to client outreach, proposal preparation, and project cost and schedule development.
• Support efforts to identify and pursue opportunities with utility clients.
• Provide technical and project delivery input for proposals and client discussions.

What You’ll Bring

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility across technical work, permitting, project management, and client support.
• Experience preparing and reviewing Biological Resource Assessments and CEQA and/or NEPA biological analyses.
• Working knowledge of California’s regulatory environment and key state and federal permitting programs, including CWA Sections 401 and 404, incidental take permits, streambed alteration agreements, and biological opinions.
• Experience within the following disciplines: regulatory permitting and compliance, botanical and wildlife surveys, and aquatic resource delineations.
• Experience managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with clients, agencies, technical teams, and project partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a collaborative consulting environment.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience supporting electric utility or transmission projects in California.

Investing in You

The base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000–$115,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits provide flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.