HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, employee-owned California-based environmental consulting and planning firm, is seeking a team orientated and motivated Sr. Biology Project Manager with critical thinking skills and a strong work ethic, to join our San Diego office, which includes locations in both Carlsbad and La Mesa. HELIX provides biological, CEQA/NEPA, cultural resource management, habitat restoration, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance monitoring, acoustics and noise control, GIS, and air quality and greenhouse gas services to both the public and private sectors.
Why work at HELIX?
Employee-owned since 2004
Offers a hybrid work schedule with flexibility of working in-office and remotely
Invested in professional growth and employee development and training
Recognized for our workplace practices, employee wellness programs, and community contributions
Named as one of the 2023 Best Firms to Work For by ZweigGroup
HELIX also offers a competitive benefits package, that includes:
Robust Health Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employee and dependents
Life /Long Term Disability Insurance
Accrual of Paid Personal Time Off
Bonus Program
Wellness Program
Employee Stock Ownership Plan participation
401K participation with employer contributions
The Senior Biology Project Manager may be required to conduct biological fieldwork on occasion; however, primary responsibilities are not fieldwork related. The ideal candidate must possess strong communication, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills because critical aspects of this position include developing solutions for project challenges, forging strong, collaborative relationships, and building consensus among team members, clients, and agencies. A flexible mindset and adaptability to changing circumstances is imperative.
Senior Biology Project Manager Responsibilities:
Serve as project manager for a variety of biological resources-related projects that range from small in size and scope, to large and complex that require an expert understanding of local and regional biological resources and regulations
Lead the day-to-day project management tasks, including client management, team building, scheduling, work delegation, subconsultant coordination, quality assurance/quality control reviews, budget and deliverable deadline tracking, deliverable production, invoicing, contracting, and accounts receivable
Lead the preparation of due diligence/constraints reports, biological technical reports (including impact analysis and mitigation measures for CEQA/NEPA compliance), focused survey reports, regional conservation plan consistency documents (e.g., NCCP/HCP, MSCP, MSHCP, etc.), restoration/mitigation plans, annual monitoring reports, and other related documents for projects throughout multiple jurisdictions/locations
Lead the preparation and processing of regulatory permits with the various resource agencies, including Clean Water Act Section 404/401, Porter-Cologne Waste Discharge Requirements, Fish and Game Code Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreements, federal Endangered Species Act Section 7, and California Endangered Species Act Section 2080.1/2081 authorizations. Lead agency interface and negotiations, including mitigation requirements, permit conditions, and approval of mitigation/restoration sites
Lead proposals, interviews, and participate in business development activities for HELIX
Assist with mentoring and training of less experienced team members
Pay will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $115,000 to $150,000 annually.
HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.
Minimum Requirements for Senior Biology Project Manager:
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in an environmental science, biology, ecology, or related field (degree in biochemistry or microbiology not acceptable)
10+ years of experience in the environmental field leading and assisting with task implementation for biological resources, natural resources, or other similar projects
5+ years of project management experience for biological resources, natural resources, or similar projects
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Demonstrated experience in preparing biological resources related technical reports for CEQA/NEPA compliance and mitigation plans in accordance with agency requirements
Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects and project teams, including large scale natural resources based project
Proven ability to complete projects within time and budget constraints
Strong client and agency relationships; demonstrated experience leading client management and agency communications
Additional Qualifications Considered a Plus
Master's degree or higher in Biology, Natural Resources, or related field
Experience processing state and federal resource agency permit applications and consultations for jurisdictional waters/wetlands and endangered species
Demonstrated experience with marketing and business development