Principal Wildlife Biologist (Remote in CA/West Coast)

ABOUT YOU

Are you passionate about the environment and ready to join an inclusive workplace, committed to leading new ideas and pathways to delivering value?

If the answer is "Yes!" then we have an exciting career opportunity for you as a Principal Biologist - West Coast.

Who are we? We are Montrose, a global environmental services provider offering environmental planning and permitting, measurement and analytical services, and environmental resiliency and sustainability solutions.

Our qualified engineers, scientists, technicians, associates, and policy experts are proud of our collective expertise and the collaborative nature of our approach to helping clients.

We strive to optimize environmental resiliency to effectively complement our clients' decision-making and operations and efficiently fulfill their project requirements.

We have over 135 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia and over 3000 employees-all ready to provide solutions for environmental needs.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Our Principal Biologist and Project Manager (Sr Environmental Professional) position is located in Southern California but can be performed remotely *preferred within CA, but flexibility to be performed remotely within the West Coast for the right candidate.

The Principal Biologist plays a pivotal role within our organization. They will be responsible for leading the environmental program for a utility company based in Southern California.

This will involve overseeing several vegetation management and wildfire mitigation programs on private and public lands.

In addition, they will manage a team of managers, technical experts, field subject matter experts, and external partners.

The Principal Biologist will oversee strategic operations and client communications, ensure that day-to-day standard operating procedures are adhered to, and coordinate with various public and private stakeholders and regulatory agencies, ensuring program objectives are met in accordance with environmental regulations.

This role will provide technical input, project management, and project coordination for projects focusing on biological resource management and conservation planning.

This may involve creating technical reports, submitting state and federal environmental permit applications, developing habitat management and conservation plans, and / or preparing technical studies and sections for CEQA / NEPA documents.

Develop project work plans and conduct or oversee supporting technical analyses, site visits, and fieldwork for some projects.

Project focus areas include Biological and Waters / Wetlands (comprehensive biological resource consulting services for small- and large-scale developments and major capital improvement projects, CEQA and NEPA compliance, documentation, and permitting under the California Coastal Act, Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, and other regulations).

The position may also involve assisting with business development efforts to expand our conservation planning work within the United States.

As a key member of the Environmental Intelligence team, this role will be responsible for a full range of activities, including :

• Lead the company's Vegetation Management Program for a Public California Utility
• Lead multi-disciplinary biological teams for CEQA and NEPA compliance monitoring and documentation.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients and public agencies, prepare and review biological documentation, develop project budgets and schedules, prepare proposals, and manage contract compliance.
• Work directly with clients and regulatory agencies to oversee project compliance with biological mitigation measures and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead and mentor others, setting expectations and developing further capability and expertise within the team.
• Direct a team of biologists who conduct natural resource surveys, biological monitoring (as necessary), field team management, and providing specialized site assessments.
• Perform biological surveys, report preparation, construction monitoring, and other services related to compliance with the biological and regulatory requirements associated with EI's projects.
• Exercise safe work practices by following all Company safety rules and OSHA regulations, including attendance at all required safety training programs.
• Participate in the company's continuous improvement programs and provide support to team efforts.
• Stay current on industry trends by completing formal training, reviewing professional publications, and attending professional workshops.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

As a key member of our Montrose team, you can expect :

• Competitive compensation package : annual salary ranging from $150,000 to $190,000 commensurate with accomplishments, performance, credentials, and geography.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401k with a competitive 4% employer match
• Progressive vacation policies, company holidays, and paid parental leave benefits to ensure work / life balance.
• Mentorship and professional development resources to advance your career.
• Direct exposure to our industry's leading experts solving the world's toughest environmental challenges.
• An entrepreneurial environment where you can learn, thrive, and collaborate with talented colleagues.
• Opportunities to engage and contribute to our Diversity, Fairness and Inclusion and Women Empowering Leadership employee resource groups.
• A financial assistance program that supports peers in need, known as the Montrose Foundation
• Access to attractive student loan rates to optimize student loan payoff plans.

YOUR EXPERTISE AND SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

• BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, Wetland Science, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Conservation Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Biology Ecology, or related field - MS or PhD preferred but not required.
• At least10years of professional experience as a biologist (or equivalent) in Southern California with experience pertaining to specialized biological training or field
• Knowledge of current environmental regulations, including FESA and CEQA
• Experience and training in a specialized field (e.g., botany, wildlife biology, fisheries, wetland ecology, etc.), including current / previous USFWS 10(a)(1)(A) Permits and / or CDFW Scientific Collecting Permits are preferred.
• Proven leadership skills : identifies problems and actively devises appropriate solutions
• Experience establishing and managing project scope, schedule, and budget, contracting invoicing, and client communications.
• Experience working with private and public-sector clients, regulatory agencies, and / or Utilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in project management and technical writing and editing (writing samples will be requested).
• Experience conducting wetland delineations and preparing jurisdictional delineation reports suitable for submittal to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Familiarity with Southern California flora / fauna, environmental resources, and associated regulatory environment preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines.
• Outgoing / team player with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong organizational and management skills
• Ability to work well with and mentor others, to set expectations, and to provide input and feedback in a helpful way that fosters accountability.
• Ability to actively delegate and communicate in a group-oriented setting and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and leaders.
• Knowledge of computer-aided software (Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, etc.)
• Work environment will vary greatly depending on the nature of assigned tasks
• The position may involve local travel as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 949-988-3500 or [email protected] for assistance.

MAKE THE MOVE TO ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER

We are a rapidly growing company that values individual leadership, initiative, and impactful decision-making and provides you with support from talented and knowledgeable colleagues and service providers.

The Environmental Engineering and Consulting team delivers solutions for complex environmental challenges using our regulatory expertise and implementing practical and cost-effective compliance management processes and programs.

We address our clients' biggest concerns around permitting, ecoservices, assessment, and remediation.

Our highly trained and experienced engineers and scientists, environmental and remediation specialists, geologists, hydrogeologists, biologists, and environmental compliance specialists work with both public- and private-sector clients, delivering turnkey solutions.

Want to know more about how we can help you advance your career? Visit us at montrose-env.com!

Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Montrose is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Montrose is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities.

INDMEG