Principal Biologist/Senior Regulatory Specialist

ABOUT US

Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc. (Sequoia) is a small, woman-owned environmental consulting firm that specializes in environmental and biological planning, permitting, and field services. We serve federal, state, and local public agencies, as well as private clients throughout California. Sequoia’s team develops creative solutions to complex projects through proactive planning, collaboration, and attention to detail.

At Sequoia, we believe in providing a great place to work by living our shared core values of Respect, Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork. As a member of the Sequoia team your unique talents and contributions will be recognized and appreciated, and your work will truly make an impact as we provide the highest level of service to our clients on projects that our staff are passionate about.

YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE…

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Principal will partner with other Principals and leadership to drive Sequoia's success as a company and to ensure a culture where safety, our employees, and our clients come first.  The candidate will act as Principal-In-Charge for complex permitting or mitigation related projects located throughout California supporting a variety of clients. We are looking for a “seller doer” who is experienced in project management and staff coordination, deliverable oversight and QAQC, business development, impacts analysis, permit assessments and applications, and report preparation for biological work. This individual will be a member of the Sequoia leadership team and will supervise up to five direct reports and a team of up to 25 employees. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage environmental programs and/or projects by providing leadership and mentorship to the project management team.
• Strive to build long-term and effective relationships with clients, agencies, and the Sequoia team. Seek out new relationships via standard marketing practices and event attendance.
• Coordinate with USACE, USFWS, CDFW, RWQCB, and other regulatory agencies.
• Assist clients and staff with the interpretation of current local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist clients and staff with environmental permitting, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
• Work closely with project managers and clients to successfully design and oversee projects from inception to completion.
• Actively participate in key trade organizations and in the marketplace.
• Act as a technical and regulatory expert for the company and in support of the team.
• Manage projects tasks including biological assessments and documentation, scheduling to meet deadline goals, allocating resources, collecting data, writing reports, and communicating with team members and clients.
• Prepare environmental permitting application packages with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Train and support staff in setting permit strategies and preparing permit applications.
• Perform quality review and apply quality controls of work products and providing constructive coaching and feedback to the work product authors.
• Work with the other principals and senior management to collaboratively define the direction of the company, set policies and procedures, plan and lead meetings, and other leadership support.
• Work with leadership and marketing team on strategic pursuits. Identify and develop new business opportunities. Prepare budgets, proposals, and conduct business development and client outreach.
• Attend conferences and outreach meetings, as well as pre-bid meetings.
• Occasionally perform field work to train staff, conduct high-level surveys, QA/QC for field work, and to maintain your professional permits/certifications.
• Supervise up to 5 direct reports and a team of up to 25 employees.

This position requires these minimum qualifications and knowledge or similar transferable skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) degree in biology, natural resources, ecology, environmental planning or a related field.
• At least twelve (12) years project management and permitting experience in consulting.
• Experience leading biological planning, permitting, compliance, or mitigation projects and/or programs.
• Demonstrated success at setting permitting strategies, applying for, coordinating, and obtaining a wide range of regulatory permits in California.
• Significant experience with developing new business pursuits and a solid client base in California.
• Thorough understanding of FESA, CESA, CWA Section 401 and 404, F&G Code 1600, CEQA, NEPA and other federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Experience in business management and organizational management in consulting.
• Experience recruiting, hiring, and coaching staff of all levels in their career.
• Experience managing medium- to large-sized teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to travel as necessary, with mostly day trips within the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay areas. Occasional overnight travel will be expected.

We recognize that not all people have had the same career experiences and that a single individual may not possess all the skills listed above. That’s ok! If this position excites you, please apply.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING AT SEQUOIA ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING, INC:

We provide a collaborative, employee-forward working environment. We provide a space that encourages building and maintaining long-term relationships in your work and finding satisfaction in making a lasting impact in protecting our biodiversity.  Sequoia is looking for a self-motivated individual who is eager to steer the direction of their career in a company that promotes and supports professional development. We don’t hire candidates to suit the job, we find the work that fulfills our employees and helps them meet their professional goals.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:

At Sequoia, we create a safe space culture focused on fostering employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. We are committed to a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where each employee can reach their full potential without the burden of discrimination or harassment. We strive to maintain a strong culture built upon our shared core values of Respect, Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Sequoia is an equal opportunity employer.  We understand that diversity, including human diversity, is the key to the success of all healthy ecosystems. We are a forest of remarkable individuals, standing tall as our authentic selves and as one. At Sequoia, we grow together to form a stable community that is diverse in character and content.

We are an at-will employer, which means that either the company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.