Senior Biologist
Remote / Work from Home
Preferred location: Greater Sacramento Area, California
Acorn Environmental is seeking a Senior Biologist who is ready to take the next step in their consulting career. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced biologist who enjoys technical work, field biology, regulatory strategy, and environmental compliance — and who is interested in helping shape and grow the biological resources practice within a small, collaborative firm. For the right candidate, this position may develop into a Biological Resources Group Lead role as Acorn continues to grow.
About Us
Acorn Environmental is a dynamic women-owned environmental planning and analysis firm specializing in services for Native American tribes, public agencies, and private sector clients. We provide environmental compliance and natural resources support for projects involving the National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, tribal environmental policies and ordinances, biological resources, wetlands and waters, permitting, land management, infrastructure, housing, commercial development, recreation, and restoration/conservation.
Our office is located in El Dorado Hills, California, and most of our staff work remotely. As a small company of approximately 20 employees, we offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, work closely with firm leadership, and help shape how we grow. For additional information, please visit our website at: https://www.acorn-env.com/
About the Role
The Senior Biologist will support and lead a variety of biological resources and environmental compliance projects. This role is ideal for someone who is technically strong, highly organized, comfortable working independently, and interested in mentoring others over time. Typical responsibilities may include:
- Leading or supporting listed species surveys, wetland delineations, botanical inventories, habitat mapping, and other biological field studies.
- Preparing and reviewing biological resources assessments, jurisdictional delineation reports, technical studies, and natural resources management plans.
- Supporting CEQA and NEPA compliance documents, including biological resources sections, mitigation measures, and technical appendices.
- Assisting with federal, state, and local permitting, including Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, and related regulatory processes.
- Supporting Section 7 consultation and coordination with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Reviewing work prepared by junior staff and providing technical guidance.
- Coordinating fieldwork, schedules, budgets, and deliverables in collaboration with project managers.
- Helping improve biological resources templates, workflows, QA/QC procedures, and internal technical standards.
- Supporting client communication and project strategy as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet all of the following required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, ecology, botany, wetland science, soil science, natural resources, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of professional experience in environmental consulting or a closely related field.
- Experience conducting or leading biological field studies such as listed species surveys, wetland delineations, botanical inventories, habitat assessments, or habitat mapping.
- Experience preparing biological resources reports and supporting environmental compliance documents under CEQA and NEPA.
- Familiarity with federal and California environmental regulations related to biological resources, wetlands/waters, listed species, and permitting.
- Strong technical writing, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating closely with a small team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Why Join Acorn?
At Acorn, you will not be one person in a large corporate structure. You will work directly with firm leadership, project managers, and technical staff on meaningful projects throughout California and beyond.
We offer:
- Remote work and flexible scheduling.
- A collaborative, supportive team environment.
- Opportunities to work on a wide range of tribal, public agency, infrastructure, conservation, and development projects.
- The ability to help shape your role as the company grows.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid vacation/sick time and paid holidays.
Compensation
Starting compensation will vary depending on experience, technical qualifications, listed species expertise, permitting experience, and project management capabilities. The expected salary range is $95,000 to $145,000 annually. Candidates with significant project management, staff mentoring, client management, or biological resources leadership experience may be considered at the higher end of the range.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]