Senior Level Field Biologist Jobs
Senior level field biologist jobs put experienced professionals in charge of study design, field program outcomes, and the junior scientists who carry the work forward. Most openings are on-site or hybrid, concentrated in Consulting & Professional Services and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with employers like Freenome, Kimley-Horn, and GEI Consultants hiring at this level now.
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We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
$120,000 to $150,000
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
$120,000 to $150,000
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
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- Consulting & Professional Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Senior Level Field Biologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level field biologist job?
Employers at this level look for demonstrated ownership of multi-season field studies, proficiency with species identification and data collection protocols, and evidence of leading field crews or mentoring junior biologists. A strong portfolio of published reports, environmental impact assessments, or agency permits gives candidates a clear edge. Tailoring your application to show independent project management, not just participation, is what separates senior candidates from mid-level ones.
Which companies hire senior level field biologists?
Companies hiring senior level field biologists right now include Freenome, Kimley-Horn, and GEI Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from environmental consulting firms, federal and state natural resource agencies, and large infrastructure or energy developers that maintain dedicated ecology teams.
Are there remote senior level field biologist jobs?
Yes, though most senior field biologist roles require at least some on-site presence given the nature of the work. About 75% of senior level field biologist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve data analysis, reporting, permit preparation, or project oversight rather than active field collection duties.
What makes a field biologist role senior level?
Senior level field biologist roles are defined by independent ownership of project scope, budget, and deliverables, rather than executing tasks under close supervision. They require technical depth in areas like statistical analysis, regulatory compliance, or species-specific survey methods, combined with responsibility for mentoring junior staff, coordinating with agency contacts, and making consequential decisions in the field without escalating every judgment call.
Which industries hire the most senior level field biologists?
Senior level field biologist roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring because they face ongoing regulatory requirements around wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and environmental permitting that demand experienced biologists who can own compliance outcomes independently.