Senior Biologist / Senior Project Manager

Rincon Consultants, Inc • San Diego, CA

4d • $90,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Biologist/Senior Project Manager to join our Renewables practice, supporting complex energy infrastructure projects that advance renewable energy development and electric transmission. This role offers the opportunity to lead CEQA environmental review, biological oversight, and permitting strategy, guiding projects from planning through implementation, while working closely with clients, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary internal teams.
The Senior Biologist / Senior Project Manager serves as a technical leader, strategic advisor, and key client interface. The ideal candidate brings experience preparing and conducting senior-level review of CEQA documents and related biological technical studies (e.g., BRAs), along with an understanding of the broader permitting landscape. This position is well suited for a seasoned project manager who enjoys collaboration, technical rigor, creative thinking, and overseeing projects from start to finish.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 6–10+ years of highly relevant experience with progressive responsibility across technical work, permitting, and client management.
• Understanding of California’s regulatory environment, including CEQA and key state/federal permitting programs (e.g., CWA 401/404, ITP, SAA, BOs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate across functional areas to deliver high-quality projects aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing multiple concurrent projects with responsibility for project schedules, scopes, budgets, and deliverables.
• Proficiency with digital project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for efficient management of tasks, schedules, and team communication.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience supporting renewable energy development projects in California, particularly utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Experience serving as the senior project manager on large-scale, complex projects involving significant acreage, multi-agency coordination, and overlapping state and federal permitting pathways.
• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams (e.g., biology, cultural resources, planning, air quality, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and defensibility of CEQA documents for renewable energy, electric transmission, and energy generation projects, including senior-level QA/QC of all deliverables.
• Provide strategic biological oversight, directing technical studies and reviewing analyses to ensure alignment with permitting strategies.
• Lead feasibility studies and constraints analyses, ensuring accurate assessment of project viability.
• Manage projects from entitlement through environmental analysis and implementation, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful execution.
• Coordinate with technical teams and regulatory specialists for permitting and consultation to maintain compliance.
• Serve as the primary client liaison, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring project goals align with client expectations.
• Represent projects in public presentations to agency decision-making bodies.
• Advise clients on permitting strategy and regulatory risk to support timely and constructible project outcomes.
• Contribute to business development efforts by preparing proposals, estimating project costs, and expanding client relationships.
• Train and mentor junior staff in CEQA processes and environmental planning requirements, ensuring their professional growth.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level