Senior Environmental Scientist

Lead Meaningful Projects. Shape Communities. Protect Natural Resources.

At QK, we believe great environmental science helps create thriving communities while protecting the natural systems that sustain them. We're seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Scientist to join our growing Environmental team and play a key role in delivering impactful projects throughout California.

This is more than a technical role. As a Senior Environmental Scientist, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients, mentor emerging professionals, guide environmental compliance strategies, and help shape projects from concept through completion.

If you're passionate about environmental stewardship, enjoy solving complex regulatory challenges, and want the opportunity to influence both projects and people, we'd love to hear from you.

Why QK?

QK is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary consulting firm where environmental scientists work alongside planners, engineers, surveyors, GIS specialists, and landscape architects to deliver innovative solutions for our clients and communities.

As part of our One Connected Team philosophy, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, build lasting client relationships, and contribute to projects that make a visible impact throughout the region.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Environmental Scientist, you will:

• Lead environmental planning and permitting efforts for a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects
• Prepare and oversee technical studies, biological assessments, constraints analyses, wetland delineations, permit applications, and environmental documentation
• Guide projects through NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CWA, Section 404, and related regulatory processes
• Conduct and oversee biological field surveys, habitat assessments, monitoring efforts, and ecological studies
• Serve as a project manager, coordinating scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, resource agencies, and regulatory stakeholders
• Develop proposals, scopes of work, presentations, and business development opportunities
• Mentor and develop junior environmental staff, helping them grow their technical and professional skills
• Review technical documents and deliverables to ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency
• Participate in public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder presentations

What Makes You a Great Fit

We're looking for an environmental leader who brings both technical expertise and a collaborative mindset.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Environmental Biology, or a related field
• Approved by CDFW and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services as a Designated/Qualified Biologist for Central Valley species 
• 8+ years of progressively responsible environmental consulting experience
• Strong knowledge of:
  • CEQA and NEPA compliance
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)
  • Wetland delineations and permitting
  • Federal, state, and local environmental regulations
• Experience leading environmental studies and preparing technical reports
• Strong project management and client relationship skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' experience with several of the following:
  • California tiger salamander
  • San Joaquin kit fox
  • blunt-nosed leopard lizard
  • San Joaquin antelope squirrel
  • Swainson's hawk
  • burrowing owl
• Level II blunt-nosed leopard lizard survey credentials
• Business development, proposal writing, and client management experience
• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing technical staff
• Professional certifications such as Certified Wildlife Biologist, Professional Wetland Scientist, or similar credentials

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you'll be recognized as a trusted technical resource, a respected mentor, and a strategic partner to clients. You'll successfully lead complex environmental projects, foster strong agency relationships, support business growth, and help develop the next generation of environmental professionals.

Work Environment

This position offers a combination of office, client, and field-based work. Occasional travel to project sites and meetings is expected.

Join Our Employee-Owned Team

At QK, every employee has the opportunity to contribute to the firm's success. We invest in our people because we believe engaged employees create exceptional results for our clients and communities.

If you're ready to take the next step in your environmental consulting career and make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.