Principal of Natural Resource - Energy & Compliance

About Us   

 
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.  

 
As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place to Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.  

 
About The Role

 
Rincon Consultants is seeking a Principal to support and expand our Renewable Energy practice throughout California and the western United States. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing environmental compliance programs for large-scale renewable energy and utility projects. 

The ideal candidate is a recognized technical expert with extensive experience leading environmental compliance programs for energy and utility clients. This individual will provide strategic regulatory guidance, direct multidisciplinary teams, oversee environmental compliance implementation, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex environmental requirements. 

This role combines technical leadership, client management, program oversight, and business development, helping Rincon continue to grow its presence in California's rapidly evolving energy market. 

 
How We Collaborate  

 
While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.  

 
What You’ll Do   

• Manage compliance efforts on large-scale infrastructure projects for renewable energy and utility projects, coordinating with developers, contractors, and regulatory agencies. 
• Oversee complex environmental compliance projects, ensuring adherence to permit requirements related to biological, cultural, and water resources (e.g. CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Coastal Act) and other conditions under CEQA and/or NEPA. 
• Direct and perform final QA/QC review of compliance documentation, technical studies, permit applications, monitoring reports, and regulatory deliverables. 
• Advise clients on regulatory strategy, permitting pathways, risk management, and compliance solutions throughout project development and construction.

• Lead the development and oversight of Rincon’s statewide Energy and Utilities market, collaborating with other Rincon leaders. 
• Manage key client relationships and support renewable energy production and utility projects. 
• Drive business development, including proposal preparation, client outreach, marketing, and strategic planning for the Energy and Utilities market. 
• Align business development efforts with other service lines to pursue strategic opportunities. 

Operations and Technical Guidance 

• Oversee business operations, including contract and risk management, ensuring program efficiency and compliance. 
• Provide final quality assurance reviews for technical studies and ensure projects meet schedule and budget goals. 
• Delegate and manage technical assignments to ensure successful project completion. 
• Guide Rincon’s renewable energy and utilities services, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence. 

Talent Advancement and Team Leadership 

• Recruit and develop qualified staff for renewable energy and utilities programs. 
• Mentor senior staff on strategic thinking, business development, and program management. 
• Lead and motivate teams to ensure high performance and productivity, while managing performance reviews and professional development. 
  
   

What You’ll Bring   

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in environmental consulting, including project management, business development, and technical leadership within the energy sector, with a focus on overseeing high-stakes projects and driving business growth 
• Extensive experience with CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CESA, Clean Water Act, permitting, mitigation implementation, and agency consultation. 
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational skills, with expertise in budgeting and client engagement, ensuring successful project delivery and business expansion in the renewable energy and utilities sectors 
• Strong business acumen and customer service skills, with active participation in industry organizations and leadership in regulatory and industry standards 
• Proven ability to streamline processes and workflows for greater efficiency while managing and building collaborative teams 
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms (e.g., SharePoint), with strong file management, time management, and organizational skills to handle complex projects 
  
   

Investing in You   

 
The base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000–$190,000 , plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  
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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.  

 
Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our  Culture and Benefits page .  

 
Additional Employment Information  

 
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.