Wetlands Biologist (Senior)

We have an excellent opportunity for a Senior Regulatory Permitting Specialist with direct experience preparing permit processing documentation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Regional Water Quality Control Boards.

The position could be based in Orange County.

Excellent Benefits Package

Duties and Responsibilities

• Overseeing the completion of jurisdictional delineations of aquatic resources in project areas
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients while serving as the primary project point of contact for the client as well as agency staff
• Providing project strategy, developing optimal permitting pathways, overseeing preparation of permit applications/regulatory documents, and providing overall environmental compliance support
• Negotiating and coordinating with regulatory agency personnel
• Preparing and reviewing biological resource technical documents, including aquatic resources delineation reports and mitigation plans
• Preparing and managing environmental documentation and regulatory permit applications for a wide variety of local infrastructure and public and private development projects
• Maintaining productive working relationships with clients on mid-large size projects (budgeting, billing, scheduling, invoicing)
• Preparing scopes of work, budgets, and project proposals, and participating in proposal interviews
• Actively participating in planning/environmental/natural resource/industry organizations
• Demonstrating confidence in decision-making and being recognized by clients and peers as having expertise in related technical areas
• Mentoring junior staff to expand their understanding of project management/delivery and identifying opportunities for their professional development

Qualifications and Education required

• Bachelor’s degree in biological resources, soil science, botany, ecology, environmental science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience conducting wetland delineations, preparing regulatory permit applications in compliance with the Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404 and the California Fish and Game Code, and negotiating/coordinating with resource agencies
• Demonstrated abilities to work with regulatory processes and agency staff. Must have experience and an understanding of the federal Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401; Porter Cologne Water Quality Act; CDFW Fish and Game Code 1602; California Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2081; and ESA Sections 7 and 10 processes
• Experience with wetland/aquatic resources delineations and knowledge of California biological habitats, species, and general biology/ecology conversation
• Strong writing skills, effective communication, and ability to collaborate with a diversity of staff
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt when priorities change
• Strong analytical, critical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel long distances to and from job sites (2+ hours from the office) that may require overnight stays
• Ability to conduct strenuous field work in inclement weather or on steep terrain
• Project/task Management experience
• Possession of a valid driver’s license

Upon a conditional job offer, a drug test and background check will be required.

Compensation based on experience.

(Biology, Permitting Specialist, Wetland Regulatory, Wetlands, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, habitats)