Principal Biologist

Principal Biologist – Northern CA

Ready to take ownership of your market, expand client relationships, and help shape the future of biological resources services in Northern California? HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an experienced Principal Biologist to provide technical leadership, grow our biology practice, and drive business development opportunities throughout the region. This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Biologist who combines strong scientific expertise with a passion for building client partnerships and developing a sustainable book of work.

Why HELIX?

At HELIX, you’ll join a collaborative team of environmental professionals dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex natural resource challenges. As a Principal Biologist, you’ll have the opportunity to help grow our Northern California biology group, mentor talented staff, and influence the strategic direction of our services. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, with a preference for in-office collaboration while remaining open to remote work for the right candidate.

Day in the Life

As a Principal Biologist, your day may include meeting with key clients, identifying new project opportunities, collaborating with agencies and teaming partners, developing proposals, mentoring biologists, and providing strategic direction on complex environmental projects. You’ll leverage your professional network to expand HELIX’s presence while ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest technical standards. A successful Principal Biologist will actively cultivate new opportunities and help build a strong pipeline of biological resources work throughout Northern California.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a senior technical leader and trusted advisor for biological resources projects.
• Develop and maintain a strong book of business and help expand HELIX’s Northern California biology practice.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities through existing and new client relationships.
• Lead proposal development, project scoping, budgeting, and marketing support efforts.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and teaming partners.
• Oversee biological surveys, habitat restoration projects, permitting efforts, and biological monitoring programs.
• Provide mentorship, leadership, and performance management for biology staff.
• QA/QC technical reports, environmental documents, and proposals.
• Collaborate across HELIX departments to support multidisciplinary projects.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience managing biological resources, natural resources, or similar environmental projects.
• 5+ years of project management experience.
• Demonstrated success developing client relationships and generating new business opportunities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience managing agency coordination and regulatory consultation efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Existing Northern California client network and proven ability to generate repeat business.
• Experience managing large-scale natural resources projects.
• Experience with state and federal permitting and endangered species consultations.
• Demonstrated success achieving annual sales or business development goals.

Salary will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $130,000 to $170,000.

If you’re a Principal Biologist looking for the opportunity to grow a practice, expand your influence, mentor future leaders, and help shape the next chapter of environmental consulting at HELIX, we encourage you to apply today.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.