Associate Biologist

About Us

We build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

Our

Associate Scientist – Regulatory Specialist

position may be performed remotely; however, the ideal candidate would be based in Southern California and bring strong experience in California coastal and waters permitting, incidental take permits, and other regulatory permitting.

As a senior technical contributor, you will support and lead elements of complex permitting projects, working closely with Principals, Senior Associates, clients, and multidisciplinary teams. You will contribute technical expertise, manage discrete permitting tasks, and help advance projects through regulatory review.

The annual salary for this role ranges from

$100,000 – $125,000

in addition to an annual bonus commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

• Supporting and leading components of environmental compliance and coastal, waters, threatened and endangered species, and other natural resource permitting projects
• Working closely with clients and internal project teams to resolve permitting and regulatory challenges
• Preparing, submitting, and managing permit applications and consistency determinations under the California Coastal Act and related statutes
• Coordinating with regulatory agencies, including: California Coastal Commission (CCC), San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), California State Lands Commission (CSLC), Local Coastal Programs (LCPs), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE – Sections 404/10), Regional and State Water Quality Control Boards (Section 401), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NOAA Fisheries (NMFS).
• Evaluating project consistency with Coastal Act policies related to wetlands, ESHA, shoreline processes, sea level rise, and public access
• Assisting with coordination of multi-agency permitting pathways
• Supporting impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation planning
• Assisting with permit condition compliance during design and construction
• Collaborating with in-house biologists, archaeologists, GIS specialists, planners, and engineers, as well as external technical specialists
• Supporting proposal development efforts, including technical writing and cost inputs
• Providing technical QA/QC support for reports and regulatory submittals
• Manage assigned project/program budgets, schedules, and staffing needs
• Mentoring junior staff and contributing to team knowledge-sharing
• Staying current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices through continuous professional development

Your Expertise And Skills

The Associate Scientist – Regulatory Specialist is a senior technical professional who contributes regulatory expertise, supports project execution, and builds trusted client relationships under the guidance of senior leadership.

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, urban planning, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• Typically, 10\+ years of relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated experience with California coastal permitting, waters permitting for 401, 404, and 1602, USFWS (ESA) Section 10 incidental take permitting and Section 7 consultations, CDFW (CESA) 2081 incidental take permitting, and/or other similar permitting of natural resources.
• Working knowledge of permitting processes with agencies such as USACE, CCC, BCDC, RWQCB, CDFW, NMFS, and USFWS
• Familiarity with California natural resources and impact assessment
• Ability to manage tasks independently while working within a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with utilities and/or renewable energy projects preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and regulatory documents
• Experience working collaboratively in dynamic project environments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; working knowledge of ArcGIS and AutoCAD preferred
• Willingness to travel locally as needed

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for individuals with disabilities.

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