Biologist

HDR is seeking a qualified Biologist/Regulatory Specialist to support field monitoring, observations of construction activities tied to regulatory permit compliance, and environmental permitting across transportation, water, and natural resources projects in California. This role offers unique experiences in field work, report writing, analysis, and permitting in close coordination with project team members and subject‑matter experts.

• Conduct short‑ and long‑term environmental monitoring of existing sensitive, candidate, threatened, and/or endangered species before, during, and after construction projects.
• Perform mitigation monitoring and wildlife, botanical, and wetland surveys, including species surveys and habitat evaluations.
• Observe construction activities and BMP implementation, documenting compliance with regulatory permits and coordinating with the Resident Engineer.
• Perform field inspections and surveys using GIS data‑collection tools and provide mapping exhibits.
• Work in diverse field conditions, including adjacent to highways and extended work hours or night work as required.
• Work independently on medium‑size projects or assist senior scientists on larger projects.
• Conduct biological field surveys, data interpretation, analysis, and plan/manage written environmental reports.
• Guide clerical and technical personnel as needed.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze potential impacts on biological resources.
• Execute scientific/environmental assignments requiring moderately complex objectives with limited variables.
• Develop technical reports, assessments, focused studies, and regulatory permitting applications.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to facilitate permit approval for California and Federal ESA consultations, state/local permits, Corps of Engineers, BWC, NOAA Fisheries, and the California Coastal Commission, as well as FERC processes.
• Contribute to CEQA and NEPA documents, biological evaluations/assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and related materials.
• Perform other duties as needed.

• Experience working with transportation/transit agencies.
• Minimum three (3) years of demonstrated experience managing field services aligned with construction activities and schedules.
• Possess or obtain necessary collecting/handling permits and species‑specific experience for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.
• Five or more years of experience conducting and managing biological resources surveys, impact analysis, reporting, and/or regulatory permitting in California.
• Experience with species and habitats in Northern and Central California.
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability and commitment to quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related field.
• Minimum five years of experience managing biological/environmental projects.
• Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to HDR’s employee‑owned culture.

Primary:
Walnut Creek, CA
Additional:
Oakland, CA;
Santa Clara, CA

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $95,638.00 – $ annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

HDR is an employee‑owned company committed to creating an inclusive environment where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to bring authentic selves to work. We celebrate diversity through eight Employee Network Groups and provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes health, performance, and success.

HDR is an affirmative‑action and equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records, and are committed to equal employment opportunity.