[Hiring] Senior Biologist @Spheros Environmental

Role Description

The Senior Biologist leads the project team to achieve specific and measurable project goals for biological disciplines, including project quality and financial success. They need to plan ahead, point the project in the right direction, track progress, and make adjustments when needed to best manage natural resources on the ground, permitting, and/or planning. They will lead biological technical services, which could be in the areas of wildlife biology, botany, or wetland science and permitting (or a combination thereof).

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical:
  • Conducts biological studies according to scopes and budgets, using independent judgement to implement biological principles and services.
  • Works directly with clients and agencies, building strong relationships rooted in technical excellence.
  • Designs and leads field surveys following agency protocols (wildlife, botanical, and/or wetland/aquatic resources).
  • Manages GPS/GIS field data and prepares technical reports such as baseline biological reports, biological evaluations, and wetland delineation reports.
  • Understands applicable codes, company standards, safety requirements, and client-specific requirements.
  • Reviews work for compliance and communicates the standards to the team.
  • Assists in project quality control reviews and continuous improvements.
  • Works closely with other technical staff and peers in the industry to provide scientifically sound consulting services.
  • Coordinates and directs field crews and multi-discipline teams, including subconsultants.
  • Clearly communicates technical concepts, both verbally and in writing.
  • Constantly seeks knowledge and provides an environment that encourages innovation.
  • Proactively takes lead in implementing innovation into projects and delivery processes.
  • Open to suggestions and new ideas.
  • Other ad hoc duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Project Management:
  • Guides the team towards technical solutions, soliciting input from the client when appropriate.
  • Reviews additional services priced by business leadership team members for out-of-scope client requests.
  • Maintains project schedules related to biological services.
  • Directs certain members of a team through specific portion(s) of a project with assistance from senior staff positions.
  • Guides the team leveraging knowledge of planning, delivery, and completion to make informed recommendations to the client.
  • Works with minimal supervision from a Senior Project Manager or Principal.
  • Responsible for coordination of overall project efforts to ensure project completion and quality.
  • Asks thoughtful, relevant, and open-ended questions to better understand client’s needs.
  • Serves as primary liaison contact with clients and authorities having jurisdiction.
  • Actively manages project communication and documentation while providing a positive motivating force for the project and its participants.
  • May represent clients at public meetings.
  • Manages relationships with internal and external clients, local agencies, other consulting companies, and contractors.
• Business Development:
  • Leverages professional network to engage with the industry on thought leadership.
  • Participates and looks for opportunities to lead in professional organizations.
  • Supports business development activities including community and client events, presentations, and approach to teaming arrangements.
  • Actively contributes to professional networks to share relevant knowledge expected from the client.
  • Develops detailed proposals and estimates in support of the bidding process.
  • Coordinates with technical leads and marketing operations on pursuits and proposals.
  • Creates and participates in strategies for building company’s name recognition.
  • Identifies opportunities and prepares strategies for client business development and marketing initiatives.
  • Identifies regional-specific industry trends for various services.
• Leadership / Management:
  • Oversees biological component of project and forward looking to problem solve.
  • Encourages a people-first approach and entrepreneurial initiative in all staff.
  • Guides the team in assessing risk management and business impact when implementing process improvement.
  • Possesses a desire for lifelong learning.
  • Trains newly hired staff and assists with the development of staff through day-to-day interactions.
  • Participates in formal mentorship programs.
• Financial Acumen:
  • Monitors and manages labor expenses.
  • Creates labor forecasts and budgets as requested, verifying budget and adjusting as needed.
• Client Service:
  • Builds relationship capital with clients through project work and networking events.
  • Develops skills to have difficult discussions with clients.
  • Exhibits a balance of self-confidence and humility.
  • Cultivates and gains trust through active listening and being a team player.
  • Works closely with senior staff members to cross-market and integrate services for existing clients.
  • Develops quality relationships with assigned clients and analyzes client circumstances to recognize new business opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional natural resources experience (consulting, agency, and/or research).
• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in natural resources, wildlife, botany, ecology, environmental science, wetland science, planning, or equivalent.
• Experienced with natural resources in one or more U.S. regions, such as NV, CA, AZ, OR, or TX – ecology, wildlife, botany, wetlands, permitting, planning, or related field.
• NEPA and/or CEQA documentation and permitting support - EIS, EA, BA, BE, baseline biological studies, Clean Water Act Section 404/401, or state-specific permits.
• Experience with renewables, utilities, mining/mineral exploration, infrastructure, or municipalities preferred.
• Agency coordination and consultation (e.g., BLM, USFS, USFWS, USACE, state wildlife agencies), including ESA Section 7 support.
• Experience contributing to or overseeing preparation of natural resource technical plans, reports, or permitting.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., wetland delineation, Nevada Conservation Credit System, MSHA, FERC environmental compliance) a plus.

Benefits

• Salary range of $90,000 - $105,000, with opportunities for bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Ongoing training, conference opportunities, and pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
• Hybrid work options and flexible remote work opportunities in approved states.
• We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.