Biologist 2

About the Role

HDR is seeking a qualified Biologist/Regulatory Specialist to support field monitoring, observations of construction activities tied to regulatory permit compliance, and environmental permitting and biology technical work on small, medium, and large projects in California. This role supports projects in transportation, water, and natural resources market sectors, offering unique experiences in field work, report writing, analysis, and permitting in coordination with project teams and subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct short and long-term environmental monitoring of existing sensitive, candidate, threatened, and/or endangered species prior to, during, and after construction projects.
• Perform mitigation monitoring, wildlife, botanical, and wetland surveys, including species surveys and habitat evaluations.
• Observe construction activities and Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation, documenting compliance with regulatory permit requirements and coordinating with the Resident Engineer.
• Perform field inspections and surveys using GIS Data Collection tools and provide mapping exhibits with results.
• Work in diverse field conditions, including adjacent to highways and extended or night hours as needed.
• Work independently on medium-size projects or assist more-senior scientists on larger projects.
• Conduct biological field surveys, data interpretation and analysis, and plan and manage written environmental reports.
• Provide directions to clerical and technical personnel as needed.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and clients to analyze potential impacts on biological resources.
• Perform scientific/environmental project assignments requiring application of moderately complex objectives and limited variables.
• Develop biological resources technical reports, assessments, focused studies, and regulatory permitting applications.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to facilitate permit approval and regulatory compliance activities for various project types, including:
  • California and Federal Endangered Species Act consultations
  • State/local permits in California and the Western United States
  • Permit applications for agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, NOAA Fisheries, and California Coastal Commission
  • FERC regulatory processes
• Contribute to CEQA and NEPA documents, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and associated documents to address project impacts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a closely related field
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing biological/environmental projects
• Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Transportation/Transit Agencies
• Minimum three (3) years of demonstrated experience managing field services in conjunction with project construction activities and schedule
• Possess or obtain necessary collecting and/or handling permits and/or have species-specific experience for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species
• 5+ years of experience conducting and managing biological resources surveys, impact analysis, reporting, and/or regulatory permitting in California
• Experience with species and habitats in Northern and Central California
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability and commitment to quality in work processes and products

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement

Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $95,638.00 - $147,555.00 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time

Locations

United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-California-Oakland, United States-California-Santa Clara

About HDR

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion and empower everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting economic vitality, public safety, and resilient communities.

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental specialists, economists, and management consultants to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation and technical excellence. Whether modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will define the future of mobility.

As employee-owners, we share a collaborative culture that connects employees worldwide. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) foster belonging and support, with executive sponsorship and open participation for all employees.