Director / Principal - Utilities Practice

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
Environmental Planning / Natural Resources
Experienced

About Us 

We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with 500+ professionals and over 30 years of experience serving clients across the transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work, as reflected in the experiences our employees share on Glassdoor and the trust, connection, and sense of purpose felt across our company. 
 

Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems. At Rincon, people come first. We value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can grow, contribute meaningfully, and do their best work. 

 

About The Role

We are seeking a Director/Principal to lead our Utilities practice within the Environmental Planning and Natural Resources teams. This is an opportunity for a proven leader in the utilities sector to shape Rincon’s statewide strategy, guide high-profile projects, and expand our market presence. You will direct multidisciplinary teams, strengthen key client relationships, and drive innovation in service delivery—while mentoring senior staff and advancing strategic growth initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a strong track record in business development, complex project delivery, and regulatory navigation, with expertise in utility infrastructure, operations and maintenance planning, licensing, and energy delivery solutions.

 

How We Collaborate

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.  

What You'll Do
 

Strategic Business Development and Client Leadership - 

  • Shape and lead Rincon’s statewide strategy for utilities services.
  • Cultivate and sustain senior-level client relationships, positioning Rincon as a trusted advisor.
  • Lead business development, including opportunity identification, proposal strategy, and industry representation.
  • Collaborate across service lines to deliver integrated solutions for transmission, distribution, power generation, and utility infrastructure projects.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with major California utilities, including SoCalGas, SDG&E, PG&E, LADWP, and SCE.

Operations and Technical Oversight -

  • Oversee project portfolios, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and on-time, on-budget delivery.
  • Provide QA/QC review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings.
  • Guide strategy for CPUC, FERC, utility-specific permitting, and licensing.
  • Oversee planning and permitting of operations and maintenance programs, including execution of PEA (Proponent’s Environmental Assessments) and DER (Detailed Engineering Review) where applicable.
  • Streamline operations and enhance service delivery through process improvements.​​​​​​

Team Development and Mentorship - 

  • Recruit, develop, and retain top talent for the Utilities practice, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
  • Mentor senior staff on business strategy, technical leadership, and client management.
  • Lead succession planning to ensure long-term practice sustainability.

What You'll Bring 

  • BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Planning, or related field (MS/advanced degree preferred).
  • 12+ years’ senior-level experience in utilities-focused consulting, project delivery, and business development.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver strategic solutions for clients.
  • Experience in licensing, permitting, and programmatic compliance for utility infrastructure projects.
  • Knowledge of CPUC processes, General Orders, and utility O&M permitting.
  • Proven track record of building long-term client relationships and securing repeat business.
  • Strong business acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in digital project management tools.

Investing In You 
​​​​​​​
The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000–$190,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement. 
​​​​​​​

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.
 

Additional Employment Information 

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws. 


 

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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