Senior Biologist

Mark Thomas•San Jose, CA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Mark Thomas is expanding its Environmental Planning team, and we are seeking a senior level biologist to play a foundational role in growing our practice in the Bay Area. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional who is excited not only about technical excellence, but also about building a practice, expanding markets, and shaping the future of a growing team. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial in mindset, comfortable with business development, and motivated by the opportunity to grow client relationships, pursue new markets, and mentor emerging professionals. You will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm where environmental services are a strategic growth area and where leadership actively supports innovation and expansion.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
8-10+ in biological resources permitting and environmental compliance in California.
Demonstrated success working with Caltrans District 4, including a strong track record of getting biological resource documents approved, and recognized experience in the Bay Area region.
Extensive experience with field survey techniques, technical reporting standards including those for State and Federal transportation agencies, ESA/CESA, and regulations protecting wetlands and waters of the US/State.
Proven ability to lead projects and teams, manage schedules and budgets, and maintain high standards of quality.
Clear interest in and comfort with business development, client engagement, and strategic growth.
An entrepreneurial, self driven approach, with the ability to identify opportunities and help build something new.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to articulate technical knowledge as well as represent the firm confidently with clients and agencies.
Desire to continuously learn and grow as a professional to provide mentorship and support the career goals of emerging staff.
Ability to travel and perform in different weather conditions and moderately difficult terrain while meeting set project schedules and budgets.
Strong computer skills using the Microsoft Office Suite.
Expertise with GPS mapping applications and post-field GIS workflow coordination.

Responsibilities

Lead and grow Mark Thomas’s Biological Resources practice, helping to shape its strategic direction, service offerings, and market focus.
Serve as a technical authority for biological resources, permitting, and regulatory compliance on complex infrastructure and transportation projects.
Drive business development efforts, including identifying emerging and expanding markets, developing client relationships, supporting pursuits, and contributing to proposals.
Act as a key point of contact for Caltrans District 4, leveraging deep familiarity with expectations, processes, and approval pathways to successfully deliver and obtain approval for biological technical documents.
Prepare, review, and oversee biological resources technical studies and deliverables, including: Biological Constraints Analyses Natural Environment Study (NES) documents Aquatic Resource Delineations and AJD/PJDs Biological Assessment / Biological Opinion (BA/BO) CEQA and NEPA biological sections
Navigate and lead permitting efforts, including coordination with regulatory agencies such as USFWS, NMFS, USACE, CDFW, RWQCB, CCC, and others.
Mentor and develop junior and mid level staff, fostering technical growth, quality, and consistency across the practice.
Collaborate with planners, engineers, and other environmental specialists across Mark Thomas to deliver integrated, high quality project solutions.
General tasks including proactive management of project schedules, introducing and collaborating on improvements to workflow and products, staffing coordination, and providing strategic input on project design and alternative development and refinement

Benefits

Competitive salary and incentives to include employee referral bonuses, certification and licensing incentives (PLA, PLS, PE, LSIT, EIT), and eligibility for year-end performance incentives
401k and ESOP retirement benefits to include profit sharing and a 401k match
Paid time off benefits to include PTO, public holidays + additional holidays, bereavement leave, jury/civic time, licensing & certification exam time
Employer-paid vision insurance, basic life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, long-term care insurance, inclusive family planning & fertility resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), travel insurance, and in-house wellness education & challenges
Voluntary medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and pet insurance
FSA programs for medical, dependent care, commuter & parking
Reimbursements for certification and licensing exams and study classes and materials
Tuition reimbursement, paid annual dues for industry professional/societal organizations, memberships, and events
Budgeted time for training and career development
Flexible schedules and hybrid and primarily remote work environments