Terrestrial Biology Section Manager

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.
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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.
 

The primary duty of the Northern California Terrestrial Biology Section Lead, working internally as part of our Professional Services program, is to provide leadership and management support for the Terrestrial Biologist professionals in Northern California, focusing on staff development, quality technical delivery, and coordinated functions within the local area Environmental Sciences and Planning (ES&P) Business Class. This is a cross-sector position and will report to and collaborate with the Northern California ES&P Business Class Leader. This position will further collaborate with water, resources, and transportation-related market sectors and business classes for overall resource allocation, key hires, quality control, and technical excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, we'll count on you to:

Effectively manage HDR's Northern California Terrestrial Biology resources group including:

• Management of biological staff workload and logistics while providing timely submittals of biological resource deliverables to both internal and external clients.
• Providing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) review of biological resources technical reports, assessments, focused studies, and regulatory permitting applications.
• Consistent coordination with and provision of mentorship and development opportunities to senior and mid-level biologists.
• Perform other duties as needed

      Proactively lend your biological resources knowledge and practical expertise by:

• Overseeing, and in some instances, conducting wildlife surveys including Section 10a species surveys, habitat evaluations, and jurisdictional delineations.
• Working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and clients to analyze potential impacts on biological resources and contributing innovative solutions to minimize/mitigate impacts.
• Engaging with regulatory agencies on behalf of clients to facilitate permit approval and regulatory compliance activities for various types of projects. Project activities or permitting processes may include:
  • California and Federal Endangered Species Act consultations
  • Other state/local permits in California and the Western United States
  • Preparation and negotiation of permit applications with resources agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, NOAA Fisheries, and California Coastal Commission
• Contributing to CEQA and NEPA documents, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans and associated documents to address project impacts.
• Assisting with the planning, design, and compliance monitoring of ecological restoration sites.

      Help capture and expand new work opportunities by:

• Developing proposals for biological-related tasks (preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets).
• Actively participating in capture planning, client development, proposal development and interviews in collaboration with marketing and leadership teams. 

This is a full-time position and can be based in our Sacramento, Folsom, or Walnut Creek, offices.

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Keywords: Biology Section Manager, CEQA, NEPA, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans

Required Qualifications

This position requires the following skills, attributes and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or closely related field. Master's degree preferred, but BA/BS degree will be considered with demonstrated work experience at equivalent level.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience of conducting biological resources impact analysis and regulatory permitting in California.
• Experience with wildlife species and habitats in Northern and Central California.
• Previous resource agency approval for monitoring/handling listed species.
• Prior experience working with local, State, and Federal agencies.
• Applied knowledge of ecological assessment, environmental impact analysis, environmental due diligence studies, natural/biological resources management and habitat conservation planning.
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS or similar mapping programs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in management and development of a discipline-specific and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability, and commitment to quality in both work processes and products.
• Experienced in development and management of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits.
• Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the markets.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Professional registration or license
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Biology or closely related field.
• Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Environmental Professional, or Certified Wildlife Biologist.

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible.  When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.  

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $126,511.00 - $205,375.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.