Technical Director - Biological Resources

GHD; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD is seeking a Technical Director – Biological Resources for California offices including San Francisco. The role leads wildlife biology, botany and wetland science teams, oversees environmental reviews, and drives growth in the Natural Resources & Impact Assessment Group.

The position aligns with our hybrid work model across multiple California locations. You will lead field studies, prepare Endangered Species Act assessments, and coordinate CEQA/NEPA documentation while building client

Qualifications

• Requires leadership of wildlife biologists, botanists and wetland scientists.
• Experience with CEQA/NEPA and environmental documentation.
• Proven ability to win and lead projects and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams to complete field studies and produce reports and assessments.
• Coordinate with engineers to develop CEQA/NEPA documentation and pursue approvals.
• Manage major projects and key client relationships.
• Coach and mentor staff to develop organizational talent.
• Develop proposals in response to tenders and bids.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Project management

Client management

Team mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in natural resources 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