Director / Principal Utilities Practice

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Director / Principal to lead our Utilities practice within the Environmental Planning and Natural Resources teams. This is an opportunity for a proven leader in the utilities sector to shape Rincon’s statewide strategy , guide high-profile projects , and expand our market presence . You will direct multidisciplinary teams, strengthen key client relationships, and drive innovation in service delivery—while mentoring senior staff and advancing strategic growth initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a strong track record in business development , complex project delivery , and regulatory navigation , with expertise in utility infrastructure , operations and maintenance planning , licensing , and energy delivery solutions .

While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes : Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

We are open to locations across California.

Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development and Client Leadership

Shape and lead Rincon’s statewide strategy for utilities services.

Cultivate and sustain senior-level client relationships, positioning Rincon as a trusted advisor.

Lead business development, including opportunity identification, proposal strategy, and industry representation.

Collaborate across service lines to deliver integrated solutions for transmission, distribution, power generation, and utility infrastructure projects.

Develop and maintain relationships with major California utilities, including SoCalGas, SDG&E, PG&E, LADWP, and SCE.

Operations and Technical Oversight

Oversee project portfolios, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and on-time, on-budget delivery.

Provide QA / QC review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings.

Guide strategy for CPUC, FERC, utility-specific permitting, and licensing.

Oversee planning and permitting of operations and maintenance programs, including execution of PEA (Proponent’s Environmental Assessments) and DER (Detailed Engineering Review) where applicable.

Streamline operations and enhance service delivery through process improvements.

Team Development and Mentorship

Recruit, develop, and retain top talent for the Utilities practice, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.

Mentor senior staff on business strategy, technical leadership, and client management.

Lead succession planning to ensure long-term practice sustainability.

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following

BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Planning, or related field (MS / advanced degree preferred)

12+ years’ senior-level experience in utilities-focused consulting, project delivery, and business development

Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver strategic solutions for clients

Experience in licensing, permitting, and programmatic compliance for utility infrastructure projects

Knowledge of CPUC processes, General Orders, and utility O&M permitting

Proven track record of building long-term client relationships and securing repeat business

Strong business acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation

Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Proficiency in digital project management tools

Rincon Consultants is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000–$190,000+, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.

Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.

Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here () !

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC / marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religious belief, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, family care, marital status, military and veteran or qualified disabled veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. Rincon Consultants, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify Program to ensure that all employees hired are legally able to work in the United States.