Senior Biologist & Project Manager

ESA is seeking a skilled biologist and project manager with at least 10 years' experience to join our biological resources and land management practice in Santa Barbara, California. We welcome a collaborative team member with a growth mindset able to conduct plant and wildlife surveys and habitat assessments, monitor sensitive biological resources, collect data digitally and analyze results, deliver quality technical written work products, and manage multi-disciplinary projects. Candidates with the ability to work in Santa Barbara office hybrid 2-3 days a week strongly preferred.

Who You Are

• You are a scientist, problem-solver, collaborator and project manager. You hold a bachelor's or master's degree with major course work in biology, natural resources management, or environmental science, and have a minimum of 10 years of experience leading biological resource surveys, preparing biological resource reports, managing projects and tasks, and preparing or leading competitive proposals to pursue project contracts.
• You have a strong background and experience in conducting biological resource surveys, knowledge of native flora and fauna, vegetation classification/habitat mapping, nesting bird survey surveys, construction compliance biological monitoring, preparation of biological reports, and CEQA/NEPA biological resource sections. Previous working experience with CEQA required. Previous working experience with NEPA preferred, but not required.
• Additional biological expertise including having USFWS 10a permits, arborist certifications, and/or experience conducting USFWS/CDFW protocol surveys, rare plant surveys, wetland delineations, endangered species documentation, client management, preparing regulatory permit applications, and preparing habitat restoration plans is a plus but not required. You have a working knowledge of relevant environmental regulations and processes in California, particularly in southern California.
• You are an effective team member and communicator who proactively identifies and contributes constructively to address broad project or team issues, providing mentoring and coaching to more junior staff to foster teamwork.
• You have experience effectively managing biological resource survey schedules and tasks as well as project contracts and budgets. You have strong knowledge of and experience with CEQA compliance for water and wastewater, commercial and residential development, energy, transportation, land management planning, monitoring, and restoration projects.
• You possess excellent oral and presentation skills and have led and directed marketing and business development pursuits, including developing capture strategies and leading proposals, interviews, and presentations.

What You Will Do for ESA

• As a senior level biologist, you will lead or lend your expertise for multi-faceted projects in collaboration with scientists, engineers, landscape architects and other specialists. You may occasionally work on larger and more complex water infrastructure, energy (traditional and renewable) infrastructure, municipal and private development projects.
• You will demonstrate a clear understanding of project management principles and practices and be responsible for the development of clear scopes, schedules and budgets and project management plans. You will also be responsible for preparation of biological technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents in accordance with applicable guidelines and requirements, while delivering assignments within budget and schedule. Previous working experience with CEQA required. Previous working experience with NEPA preferred, but not required.
• You will serve as a senior biologist preparing and managing simple to complex environmental analyses and coordinating with key team members, including staff, subconsultants, and clients. You will produce technical work and written products that are clear, concise, and well-supported.
• You will consistently demonstrate your solid writing skills and attentive listening skills and will participate in and/or lead client meetings. You will present at or provide support at community workshops and public hearings, effectively presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• You will lead the preparation of proposals for mid-sized projects and assist with proposals for larger projects, providing technical input, contributing to proposal writing, identifying opportunities, and engaging with proposal/interview teams. These efforts will include having the responsibility for preparing scopes of work and budgets. You may also lead and direct marketing and business development pursuits, including developing capture strategies.
• You will provide mentorship and support for junior staff, including reviewing their work for accuracy and clarity and providing constructive feedback and career development guidance while working on projects together.
• You will thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and be able to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines while working on a team or independently.
• We may ask for a writing sample as a step in the interview process.

What's Special About Our Biological Resources Team in California

Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state's sensitive natural resources.

We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration. To read about some of the exciting projects we have recently completed, check out this link: https://esassoc.com/projects/

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.