About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Position Description

HDR is seeking a qualified Senior Biologist to support and lead environmental permitting, and biology technical work on small, medium, and large projects in California. This is a unique opportunity that supports projects in our water, transportation, and natural resources market sectors. It will provide unique experiences in permitting and analysis in close coordination with project team members and subject matter experts across multiple disciplines and project types. This position will further collaborate with water, resources, and transportation-related market sectors to support overall resource allocation, quality control, and technical excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, we'll count on you to proactively lend your biological resources knowledge and practical expertise by:

• Leading biological surveys including species surveys for plants and/or wildlife, habitat evaluations, and aquatic resource delineations.
• Working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and clients to analyze potential impacts on biological resources and contributing innovative solutions to minimize/mitigate impacts.
• Engaging with regulatory agencies on behalf of clients to facilitate permit approval and regulatory compliance activities for various types of projects. Project activities or permitting processes may include:
  • California and Federal Endangered Species Act consultations
  • Other state/local permits in California and the Western United States
  • FERC regulatory processes
  • Preparation and negotiation of permit applications with resources agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, NOAA Fisheries, and California Coastal Commission
• Leading development of CEQA and NEPA documents, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans and associated documents to address project impacts.
• Providing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) review of biological resources technical reports, assessments, focused studies, and regulatory permitting applications.
• Consistent coordination with and provision of mentorship and development opportunities to mid- and junior-level biologists.
• Will work independently and among a team on projects of various size.
• This is a full-time position and can be based in our Sacramento, Folsom, or Walnut Creek offices.
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or closely related field
• Minimum of 15 years related experience
  
• Experience with species and habitats in Northern and Central California.
• Prior experience working with local, State, and/or Federal agencies.
• Applied knowledge of ecological assessment, environmental impact analysis, environmental due diligence studies, natural/biological resources management and habitat conservation planning.
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with GPS equipment and ArcGIS or similar mapping programs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability, and commitment to quality in both work processes and products.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience of conducting biological resources impact analysis and regulatory permitting in California.
• Possession of a 10(a) recovery permit for conducting protocol surveys for species in Northern California, for example fairy shrimp, California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, or other wildlife species that often requires consultation.

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $115,038.00 - $186,750.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.