Description
Position Summary:
The Senior Biologist is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for biological expertise and compliance support, regulatory compliance, permitting, construction-phase oversight, and project closeout for linear infrastructure projects including electric substations, transmission and distribution throughout California and the western US. This position requires a minimum of 15-20 years of specialized California regulatory experience and a demonstrated ability to successfully navigate CEQA, secure multi-agency permits, manage construction compliance programs, and bring projects to full environmental closeout while protecting client schedules and budgets.
Essential Functions:
• Lead biological resource assessments and compliance for electric substation, transmission, and distribution projects, including special-status species surveys, habitat evaluations, and support throughout project lifecycle from planning to construction closeout.
• Oversee CEQA biological impact analyses and the preparation of technical biological reports and sections for EIRs, Initial Studies, and other CEQA documents; coordinate with agencies on biological resources.
• Oversee preparation and acquisition of state and federal environmental permits related to biological resources, such as CDFW 2081 Incidental Take Permits, USFWS Biological Opinions, USACE 404 permits, and RWQCB certifications; ensure compliance with permit conditions.
• Oversee field and construction compliance for biological resources, including implementation of mitigation measures, monitoring of special-status species protections, and coordination with environmental monitors and regulatory agencies.
• Support project closeout through biological compliance documentation, verification of mitigation success, and preparation of final reports.
• Provide expert biological and regulatory guidance on special-status species, habitat impacts, and compliance strategies for linear infrastructure projects.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop junior biologists and technical staff; conduct quality reviews of biological reports and compliance documentation.
• Manage biological workstream budgets, schedules, and scopes; support proposals and business development as needed.
• Represent the organization in agency consultations, public meetings, and briefings on biological resource issues.
• Acknowledge and participate in OMS H&S programs and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by OMS or the client.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Urban/Regional Planning, or closely related field. Master's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of fifteen to twenty (15-20) years of progressively responsible professional experience in biological resources assessment, special-status species surveys, CEQA impact analyses, and regulatory permitting for California infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated expertise and hands-on experience supporting linear infrastructure projects, including electric substations, transmission, and distribution projects in California.
• Extensive experience overseeing CEQA biological impact analyses and preparing supporting technical studies for complex infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in preparing and securing state and federal permits for biological resources on utility and energy projects.
• Significant direct experience in field surveys, construction monitoring, and implementing permit conditions during active construction.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of California Endangered Species Act, federal Endangered Species Act, CEQA biological requirements, CDFW protocols, USFWS guidelines, and other relevant biological regulations.
• Strong technical writing, field leadership, communication skills, and ability to present complex biological data clearly.
• Valid California driver's license and ability/willingness to travel to project sites across California (approximately 20-40% travel, including occasional overnight stays).
• Conduct a background check, drug screening, and physical exam.
• Must have and maintain a clean driving record.
Preferred:
• Direct experience supporting California Investor-Owned Utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric) on electric transmission projects.
• Experience with NEPA compliance and federal permits (e.g., USFWS, USACE).
• Professional certifications such as Certified Wildlife Biologist or similar preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS applications for habitat mapping and biological database tools.
Working Conditions:
HYBRID - Environmental Factors: Indoor and outdoor conditions; exposure to heat, cold, potentially hazardous chemicals, toxic materials; work on/walk on slippery or uneven and potentially mountainous terrain. Noise level is usually moderate. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to, talk, hear, stand, sit during extended periods of time, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch lift, push, pull, walk for extended periods of time, walk long distances and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform tasks during a typical 8+ hour workday.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, stand, walk for extended periods of time, walk long distances, sit during extended periods of time, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform tasks during a typical 8+ hour workday.
Pay Range
$120,000.00 Annually to $180,000.00 Annually
