Title: Senior Ecologist

Location: Open to applicants statewide in CA

Experience Level: Senior level position

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Who Are We?

Anchor QEA is an environmental science and engineering consulting firm that is focused on improving the environment and our communities by solving challenging problems. We employ more than 350 people in offices around the United States. Our vision is for a growing company that is our clients' first choice for solving their most challenging problems and our employees' first choice as a company where they want to work. We believe engaged staff lead to great client service and to a financially strong company-in that order. Our work environment fosters personal and professional growth for employees by providing autonomy, a clear vision, and the ability to master their skill set.

The ideal candidate for this position will be located near San Francisco or Sacramento, CA; but qualified candidates in other areas of California are also encouraged to apply. This position will primarily support Anchor QEA's clients in California but may also support projects throughout the country. Anchor QEA has offices in Arcata, San Francisco, Long Beach, and Irvine.

What's the Opportunity?

A senior biologist with 8 to 10 years of experience preparing biological resources related documentation to support compliance with federal and state regulations, permitting, or environmental compliance during construction. The senior biologist will lead environmental components of regulatory permitting strategies as well as biological resources documentation for shoreline and water resources projects in California. This is an opportunity to be part of a growing team and to help build the natural resources program within California.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Develop and manage the preparation of documentation for complex projects to support compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, California Endangered Species Act, California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and California Fish and Game Code.
• Participate in the development of biological resources impact evaluations, including the development of mitigation measures, in support of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation.
• Oversee and conduct field surveys or monitoring, such as wetland delineations, botanical surveys, special-status species surveys, water quality monitoring, fisheries sampling, marine mammal and bird monitoring, or other efforts.
• Perform agency outreach, consultation, and negotiation and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and train junior staff on ESA, CEQA/NEPA and other planning/environmental requirements.
• Work as an integral part of Anchor QEA's Planning and Restoration team to support projects throughout the West Coast and business development across all company market sectors.
• Ability to travel for field projects and meetings up to 20% of the time, depending on project needs, including for site visits to project locations, for field surveys or assessments, or for client or regulatory agency meetings.
• Ability to manage projects and tasks, develop schedules, establish and manage budgets, and prepare scopes of work.

What Are We Looking For?

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in fish or wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources management, environmental science, or related discipline (a Masters level degree is preferred).
• Experience: 8 to 10 years+ in fish or wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources management, and/or environmental science. Experience working in coastal environments or with water resources is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate confidence in decision-making and be recognized by clients and peers as having expertise in relevant technical areas.
• Excellent organizational, schedule and budget management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills are required including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Standard biological data analysis skills, literature research, and experience with applicable datasets and online tools to conduct biological impact evaluations, including an understanding of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) bioacoustics thresholds and impact assessment procedures.
• Experience in environmental consulting is preferred.

What Can You Expect?

A collegial and flexible work environment; a competitive salary, bonus program, and excellent benefits, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability); a generous retirement plan match; and vacation/sick leave.

How Do I Apply?

Apply online at and attach your resume and relevant documents that showcase your experience and fit for the opportunity. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA is committed to a diverse, multi-cultural work environment. Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.