Technical Director - Biological Resources

GHD; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD, a global engineering and environmental advisory firm, seeks a Technical Director - Biological Resources in California. Lead wildlife/botany/wetland teams, oversee complex biological reports, and drive environmental documentation and regulatory approvals for major projects in the CA region.

You will manage client relationships, mentor staff, and guide proposals in a hybrid work model across multiple CA offices, contributing to business growth and practice leadership in natural resources.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in environmental resources and related fields.
• 10+ years in environmental consulting with full cycle project management experience.
• 6+ years of project management experience.
• 10+ years conducting natural resources surveys and assessments, including special status species.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA and related regulations; experience in documentation and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams of wildlife biologists, botanists and wetland scientists to complete field studies and reports.
• Coordinate with engineers and environmental professionals to develop CEQA/NEPA documentation and pursue regulatory approvals.
• Ensure health, safety, and environment policies are followed to protect personnel and the environment.
• Manage a portfolio of major projects aligned with the project management strategy.
• Manage key client and customer relationships to maintain satisfaction and loyalty.
• Develop staff capabilities and mentoring within the department; implement development framework.
• Set and monitor performance objectives; manage team performance and take corrective actions as needed.
• Develop innovative solutions by integrating diverse information sources.
• Draft proposals in response to bids and tenders to secure contracts.
• Act as SME in technology, policy, or regulation and stay updated with industry best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Client Relationships

Project Management

Mentoring

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in natural resources, biology, wildlife biology, fisheries, marine biology or related field

Job description

Job Description

There's no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we're committed to helping you do exactly that. Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in. Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Who are we looking for?

GHD is looking for a Technical Director - Biological Resources in any of the following California offices: San Diego, Irvine, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Oakland, Concord, Sacramento, or Santa Rosa. The ideal candidate must be recognized as an industry leader and have significant experience in wildlife biology, botany and/or wetland science; business development; contributing to growth of practice areas; overseeing the environmental review process; and winning and leading projects of importance.

Our Natural Resources & Impact Assessment Group provides environmental impact documentation and permitting services for a broad range of interesting clients and projects, working across multiple geographies throughout California and the Pacific. Our work extends across a diverse range of market sectors, including transportation (ports, road, rail, and transit), utilities, local development, energy, mining, and coastal restoration.

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead teams of wildlife biologists, botanists and wetland scientists to complete field studies, develop related reports, Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Assessments, natural environmental, and other complex biological reports.


• Environmental Compliance: Coordinate with engineers and other environmental professionals to develop California Environmental Quality Act / National Environmental Policy Act documentation and pursue regulatory approvals.


• Health, Safety, and Environment: Ensure that business activities and individuals (e.g., employees, contractors, and visitors) within the area of responsibility adhere to the organization's health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions, to safeguard the environment, protect the well‑being of individuals, and minimize business risk.


• Project Management: Manage a portfolio of major projects in line with overall project management strategy.


• Client & Customer Management (External): Manage key client and customer relationships. Likely to involve using account teams to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.


• Organizational Capability Building: Evaluate the capabilities of staff within the department to identify gaps and prioritize development activities. Implement the organization's formal development framework within the area of responsibility. Coach and mentor others to support the development of the organization's talent pool.


• Performance Management: Develop and propose own performance objectives; take appropriate actions to ensure achievement of agreed objectives, using the organization's performance management systems to improve personal performance. Or manage and report on team performance; set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports or project/account team members and hold people accountable for achieving them, taking appropriate corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of team/personal objectives.


• Solutions Analysis: Develop innovative solutions by integrating and analyzing complex and diverse information sources.


• Request for Bid Solicitation/Proposal/Tender Response: Gather information and resources and draft and complete proposals in response to the most‑complex bid solicitations, request for proposal, and request for tender to create the best chance of being awarded the contract. May lead a team to develop tenders/proposals and fulfill all process requirements (in terms of deadlines, documentation, etc.) in response to bid solicitations, request for proposal, and request for tender.


• Personal Capability Building: Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team and beyond in the function. Maintain external accreditations and in‑depth understanding of current and emerging technologies, external regulation, and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.


• Community of Practice Management: Contribute strongly on a strategically significant area to a community of practice in a defined area of expertise or consulting, or lead on an area of expertise or consulting practice, to contribute to thought leadership and to develop innovative practice among colleagues.

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in natural resources, biology, wildlife biology, fisheries, marine biology or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 20+ years of experience providing most or all essential responsibilities noted above.


• 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting, including 6+ years of full cycle project management experience.


• 10+ years of proven experience in the field completing natural resources surveys and assessments (particularly for special status species) and/or similar qualifications that demonstrate a technical competence regarding biological resources in California.


• Comprehensive knowledge of the CEQA, NEPA, and applicable state and federal regulations and significant project experience in the preparation of environmental documentation, permitting, mitigation planning and implementation, and environmental compliance.


• Significant experience with all phases of winning work including positioning, pipeline development, pursuits, developing new clients, and maintaining client relationships.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary Range

$147,000-$245,000 based on location and experience#LI-KM1