Senior Biologist/ Restoration Ecologist/ Grant Development Associate

Position Summary

We are actively looking for an enthusiastic and meticulous individual to join our team in the role of Senior Biologist/Restoration Ecologist, with a key focus on leading Grant Development. This position entails conducting research, coordinating, and crafting grant proposals, in addition to overseeing various biological project management responsibilities. Candidates must be based in California.

Description and Desired Qualifications

Serve as a crucial team member, actively involved in the management, leadership, and support of habitat restoration projects, biological surveys, impacts analysis, permitting, and environmental compliance. Demonstrate a wealth of experience in formulating and executing habitat restoration mitigation and monitoring plans, with a focus on ensuring the success of habitat restoration initiatives. Proficiently identify various local vegetation types, encompassing both native and non-native plant species, across diverse habitats in California. Exhibit familiarity with botanical data collection methods such as point/line intercept transects, quadrat sampling, CRAM, and possess expertise in statistical design and analysis, interpretation, and document presentation.

Display proficiency in providing documentation and consultation support for USFWS/CDFW, along with expertise in wetland delineations, hydrology, soil science, and plant taxonomy.

Additionally, conduct thorough research to pinpoint potential new grant funding sources, encompassing state and federal government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other grant-making organizations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Act as a project manager or a pivotal member of project teams, overseeing fieldwork, research, data collection, and report writing.
• Showcase technical expertise in botany, restoration, plant ecology, and/or plant taxonomy.
• Manage projects of varying sizes and oversee task orders, including administrative responsibilities like staffing, scheduling, invoicing, and budgeting to meet project needs.
• Assist in proposal development and engage in new business activities, contributing to grant or proposal preparation, including budgets and schedules, while ensuring adherence to grant guidelines, objectives, and deadlines.
• Demonstrate a robust understanding of California plant species and ecosystems.
• Develop, design, and implement habitat restoration plans, mitigation, and monitoring plans, along with matrices for compliance tracking.
• Exhibit knowledge and experience with federal and state regulations, including CEQA/NEPA, CDFW Code, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Acts.
• Manage and implement project mitigation requirements, coordinate with biologists and landscape crews, collaborate with project teams and construction supervisors, and maintain schedules related to construction or habitat restoration progress.
• Ensure high-quality control standards and demonstrate the ability to complete projects within specified timelines and budgets.
• Mentor junior staff with enthusiasm, showcasing strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving, and research capabilities.
• Confidently interact with clients, regulators, and team members, emphasizing attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to safety.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the team to prioritize and pursue new funding opportunities.
• Facilitate discussions with departments in conjunction with the Director of Operations to identify funding needs and relevant opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on jointly-submitted grants, ensuring a cohesive application development while meeting deadlines.
• Gather and organize supporting documentation for proposals, including letters of support, financial statements, budgets, and programmatic data.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and progress updates.
• Monitor and track the progress of submitted proposals, including follow-up communications with funders using the Salesforce platform.
• Coordinate with the Grants Proposal Coordinator for grant reporting and evaluation activities, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrate strong technical skills and expertise in restoration, plant ecology, or botany.
• Exhibit initiative, independent thinking, problem-solving skills, excellent field skills, and an educational background in plant biology.
• Possess strong leadership skills, the ability to work independently and as a team member, and exemplary work habits, emphasizing safety, common sense, punctuality, and adaptability.
• Demonstrate excellent organization and communication skills, with experience managing multiple staff on projects.
• Build strong relationships with clients and confidently consult with contractors, agencies, and regulators.
• Showcase strong and accurate writing skills, including experience in drafting habitat restoration plans.
• Display experience in conducting surveys and monitoring for mitigation success criteria.
• Exhibit proficiency in MS Office applications (Project, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Access), GIS-based applications, and efficient data storage.
• Proven experience in proposal or Grant Development and grant writing.
• Strong independent research skills, identifying relevant funding opportunities and efficiently organizing supporting information for decision-making.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of active grants and applications with competing deadlines.
• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team, partners, and stakeholders.
• Preference for candidates with a keen interest in and commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience.
• *Ability to travel regionally, including attendance at marketing events, averaging approximately one event monthly.
• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related Natural Resources field is required.