Senior Natural Resources/Biology Project Manager 1

Senior Natural Resources/Biology Project Manager 1

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Natural Resources/Biology Project Manager 1 to lead and manage complex natural resources impact assessment, permitting and regulatory compliance efforts for energy projects in California and the greater Southwest US region. Responsibilities span project lifecycle managementfrom siting/routing, CEQA/NEPA compliance and natural resources/waters impact permitting to agency coordination and construction supportwhile ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The position combines the need for technical natural resources expertise with a passion for business development and the desire for leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of managing biological surveys, authoring habitat assessments and permit packages, and managing compliance monitoring for energy and transmission projects on time and within budget.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead natural resource compliance strategy for energy projects across the full project lifecycle: routing/siting, environmental impact assessments, permitting and construction compliance.
• Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison: proactively engage and negotiate permitting pathways with USACE, USFWS, BLM, state wildlife agencies, and local jurisdictions; and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Prepare, submit, and track reports and related permit applications and agency consultations associated with local, state and federal regulations.
• Identify potential project risks and negotiate complex permit conditions and mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders.
• Manage technical and field teams (including subconsultants) related to biological studies, and the associated task/project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, proposal strategy and writing, participate in interviews, and support account growth across energy infrastructure and energy markets.
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level biologists.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in biological resources studies and environmental permitting for energy/transmission infrastructure projects, with proven expertise with environmental impacts analysis, siting/routing studies, CEQA/ NEPA documentation, and agency (BLM, USFWS, USACE) engagement involving federal and state Endangered Species Act, and state and federal jurisdictional waters assessments, permitting and mitigation strategy.
• Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex natural resource based projects in various phases of development and geographic locations on time and on budget.
• Excellent writing skills are required with proven ability to author, manage and review permit applications and technical reports supporting federal, state, and local regulatory documentation and permit application submissions.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present at public hearings, agency, and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel (up to 25%) to project sites, GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events, agency hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with energy projects on both public and private lands, and associated permitting and environmental review in the Southwestern US.
• Strong knowledge of California and/or Southwest US flora and fauna, especially special-status species
• Well experienced with natural resources impact assessment, permitting, and compliance in California (CDFW, CESA, Section 401/1600 permitting.)
• Established working relationships with USACE, USFWS, BLM, and state agencies.
• This remote position prefers candidates to be located in California. However, candidates with extensive California project experience located in the Southwest US are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

• The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $165,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.