Technical Director - Biological Resources

GHD is committed to helping you contribute to a sustainable future for our communities and the world. Join our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners, and environmental specialists working together to leave the world better than we found it.

About the role

We are seeking a Technical Director – Biological Resources to join any of our California offices: San Diego, Irvine, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Oakland, Concord, Sacramento, or Santa Rosa. The ideal candidate will be recognized as an industry leader with significant experience in wildlife biology, botany, and/or wetland science, alongside expertise in business development, environmental review processes, and leading high-impact projects.

Our Natural Resources & Impact Assessment Group provides environmental impact documentation and permitting services for diverse clients and projects across California and the Pacific. Our work spans transportation (ports, road, rail, and transit), utilities, local development, energy, mining, and coastal restoration.

This role operates under a hybrid work model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. You will work in the office three days a week to contribute, connect, and excel in our dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams of wildlife biologists, botanists, and wetland scientists to complete field studies, develop reports, Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Assessments, and other complex biological documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers and environmental professionals to develop California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and pursue regulatory approvals.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies, procedures, and instructions to safeguard the environment, protect individuals, and minimize business risk.
• Manage a portfolio of major projects in alignment with the organization’s project management strategy.
• Oversee key client and customer relationships, maintaining satisfaction and loyalty through account teams.
• Evaluate staff capabilities, identify gaps, and prioritize development activities to build organizational capacity.
• Implement coaching and mentoring to support the development of the organization’s talent pool.
• Set and manage performance objectives for yourself and your team, ensuring accountability and corrective action where necessary.
• Develop innovative solutions by analyzing complex and diverse information sources.
• Draft and complete proposals in response to complex bid solicitations, requests for proposals, and tenders, potentially leading a team to fulfill process requirements.
• Act as a subject matter expert in technology, policy, regulation, or operational management, maintaining external accreditations and staying current with industry best practices.
• Contribute to or lead a community of practice in a strategically significant area to drive thought leadership and innovative practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and/or Master's Degree in natural resources, biology, wildlife biology, fisheries, marine biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 20+ years of experience in roles encompassing the essential responsibilities listed above.
• 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting, including 6+ years of full-cycle project management.
• 10+ years of experience completing natural resources surveys and assessments, particularly for special status species, demonstrating technical competence in California’s biological resources.
• Comprehensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and applicable state and federal regulations, with significant experience in environmental documentation, permitting, mitigation planning, and compliance.
• Proven experience in all phases of winning work, including positioning, pipeline development, pursuits, developing new clients, and maintaining client relationships.

Pay

Salary Range: $147,000–$245,000 based on location and experience.