Senior Biologist / Senior Project Manager

Rincon Consultants, Inc; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Senior Biologist / Senior Project Manager to drive innovative projects in renewables and utilities. This position involves managing biological assessments and permitting strategies while promoting team development and client success. Join a collaborative team dedicated to impactful environmental solutions across California.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Health benefits including HMO, PPO, and HDHP options

401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan

Three weeks vacation and paid sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10–12+ years in environmental consulting with biological resources focus.
• Expertise in CEQA/NEPA assessments and multi-agency project management.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex biological assessments for energy projects.
• Guide permitting strategies under CEQA/NEPA and federal regulations.
• Oversee habitat assessments, manage project budgets and schedules.

Skills

Project Management

Biological Resource Studies

Wetland Delineations

Species Surveys

Regulatory Permitting

Education

BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science

Job description

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Senior Biologist / Senior Project Manager to support our Renewables and Utilities team. This role blends biological expertise with project management, staff mentorship, and strategic permitting in support of energy generation, transmission, and renewable infrastructure projects across California.

You’ll lead high-level biological assessments, guide permitting strategies under CEQA/NEPA and other federal and state regulations, and collaborate with clients, agencies, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in environmental consulting, an established network, and a collaborative leadership style that promotes technical excellence and team development.

While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management & Technical Leadership

• Lead and prepare complex biological resource studies (e.g., BRAs, CEQA/NEPA sections, permit applications)

• Guide permitting strategies for complex, multi-agency projects (ESA, CESA, CWA, Coastal Act)

• Oversee habitat assessments, wetland delineations, and species surveys

• Manage scopes, schedules, budgets, and interdisciplinary teams across multiple projects

• Provide QA/QC review of deliverables to ensure technical accuracy and regulatory alignment

Client Coordination & Regulatory Strategy

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and partners

• Integrate biological and permitting requirements into broader infrastructure planning efforts

• Ensure alignment of deliverables with client goals, schedules, and compliance obligations

Business Development & Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor biologists and junior PMs

• Contribute to staffing plans, performance reviews, and team development

• Support proposal development, outreach, and client relationship growth within the renewables and utilities sector

• Represent Rincon in client interviews, industry meetings, and public forums

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following:

• 10–12+ years of progressive environmental consulting experience in biological resources, with a focus on the renewables or utilities sectors

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field

• Demonstrated expertise in:

• CEQA/NEPA biological impact assessments

• Wetland delineations, species surveys, and habitat evaluations

• Regulatory permitting (ESA, CESA, Clean Water Act)

• Utility, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects

• Experience coordinating with federal and state resource agencies (e.g., USFWS, CDFW, USACE) during permitting and project review

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, and oversee complex project delivery

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on collaboration and clarity

• Willingness to travel for fieldwork or client meetings as needed

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $72,500–$104,000, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.

Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.

Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here!

Rincon Consultants, Inc 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.