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Role Description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Natural Resources/Biology Project Manager 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 management—from siting/routing, CEQA/NEPA compliance and natural resources/waters impact permitting to agency coordination and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements.

• 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; 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.

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.
• Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex natural resource based projects.
• Excellent writing skills with proven ability to author, manage and review permit applications and technical reports.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline (preferred).
• 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.
• Established working relationships with USACE, USFWS, BLM, and state agencies.
• This remote position prefers candidates to be located in California.

Benefits

• Competitive salary - GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire).
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program.
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays.
• 401k company match.
• Tuition Reimbursement.