Location: San Diego, California (with occasional travel throughout Southern California)
Salary Range: $91,100 - $136,600, with additional bonus eligibility
Job Type: Full-time
Travel: Occasional (25% of the time)
About Stantec:At Stantec, we don’t just work on environmental projects — we shape the future of sustainability, quality, and innovation. As an environmental consulting powerhouse, we lead with safety, creativity, and a forward-thinking vision that not only addresses today’s challenges but anticipates tomorrow’s needs. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse community, we welcome new ideas and embrace the passion that our talented team members bring. Here, your expertise will drive meaningful change for our clients and the communities they serve.
Your Opportunity:We are looking for a Senior Environmental Biologist to join our dynamic team in Southern California. If you have over 10 years of experience and are passionate about driving impactful environmental initiatives in the region, this could be the perfect role for you. You’ll be working on a variety of exciting and critical projects including renewable energy, infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration. Your work will directly impact environmental policies, regulations, and the ecological future of our communities.
What You’ll Do:As a Senior Environmental Biologist at Stantec, you will:
- Lead & Mentor: Manage and supervise multi-disciplinary teams of biologists, water resource specialists, and regulatory experts, guiding junior staff and providing coaching and mentorship to shape the future of the team.
- Hands-on Fieldwork & Technical Expertise: Oversee and participate in field surveys (botanical, wildlife, nesting birds, wetlands), ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance, and high-quality reporting.
- Collaborate & Innovate: Work closely with clients, regulatory agencies, and Stantec’s cross-functional teams to develop and execute permitting strategies for a variety of energy, infrastructure, and restoration projects.
- Project Management: Take the reins on complex environmental assessments, including CEQA/NEPA analysis and biological resource reports, ensuring alignment with project timelines, scope, and budget.
- Business Development: Support proposal efforts, respond to RFPs, and develop relationships with clients and regulatory staff to build new business opportunities.
- Strategic Guidance: Lead the preparation and review of technical reports (BRTRs, ARDRs, biological survey reports) and ensure all documentation adheres to local, state, and federal regulations.
What You’ll Need:
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years in environmental consulting, with significant expertise in biological resources surveys, impact assessments, and permitting strategies.
- Specialization: Extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of Southern California, with experience in endangered species (Chino checkerspot butterfly, coastal California gnatcatcher, desert tortoise, etc.), wetlands, and aquatic resources.
- Project Management: Strong project management skills, with experience in client and regulatory coordination, team leadership, and delivering high-quality environmental solutions on time and within budget.
- Regulatory Expertise: In-depth knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other local and federal environmental regulations.
- Technical Skills: Experience with GIS/GPS technology, wetland delineation, and biological survey data collection; strong analytical skills for evaluating and interpreting scientific data.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing technical reports, delivering presentations, and liaising with clients and regulators.
Nice to Have:
- Permits & Certifications: California Scientific Collecting Permit, State MOU, federal Recovery Permits, Wetland Delineation Certificate.
- Compliance Experience: Knowledge of Clean Water Act, Fish and Game Code, and other key environmental regulations specific to the Western U.S.
- Industry Experience: Prior experience working on large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, and land development projects in Southern California.
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, 401(k), life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and more.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Growth Opportunities: Access to professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, and support for continuing education and certifications.
- Inclusive Culture: A dynamic and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and encourages collaboration.
- Impactful Work: Be a part of projects that make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve while contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Why Stantec?At Stantec, we don’t just work to meet the needs of today — we’re thinking about the future. Here, your skills and expertise will help shape innovative solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world around you, all while growing your career in a supportive and dynamic environment, we want you to join our team.
Stantec is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, offering equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Apply today and start your journey with a company that values your expertise and dedication to environmental stewardship.
