Rincon Consultants, Inc

Director or Principal – Aquatic Resources Practice

Natural Resources - Oakland, CA - Full Time

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking a strategic, Director- or Principal-level aquatic resources professional with expertise in CEQA/NEPA and/or natural resources permitting to lead the continued growth of our aquatic resources practice. This is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative, entrepreneurial firm and play a key role in expanding Rincon’s aquatic resources services while leading high-impact projects across California. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who excels in business development, client relationships, and team leadership. This position can be based out of any of our 13 California offices, with a preference for candidates located in the Bay Area, Sacramento, or Central Coast regions. 
 
While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office, which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. 
 
Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Business and Program Development 

  • Lead growth and development of Rincon’s aquatic resources practice, with the opportunity to influence strategic direction and staffing 
  • Cultivate and grow client relationships in the aquatic resources market 
  • Lead proposal strategy and development, including technical approach, cost estimating, and team composition 
  • Attend and present at conferences, agency coordination meetings, and industry events to build Rincon’s visibility and network 
  • Identify market trends and emerging opportunities aligned with Rincon’s capabilities, specifically supporting the fisheries program growth 
  • Collaborate with natural and aquatic resources leadership in business operations, including contract/risk management and program oversight 
Technical Work 
  • Serve as technical lead or principal-in-charge on CEQA, NEPA, permitting, and biological resources projects, with responsibility for overall scope, schedule, budget, and quality assurance 
  • Lead or support the preparation and review of environmental documents, technical studies, and regulatory compliance materials 
  • Develop and oversee permitting strategies and documentation, including Clean Water Act (Sections 404/401), CDFW LSAA, and federal/state endangered species consultations (FESA/CESA) 
  • Foster collaboration across Rincon’s environmental planning, regulatory, and biological resources teams to deliver integrated solutions 
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to staff, including QA/QC of deliverables and support for professional development 
 
This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following: 
  • Minimum of a BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Planning, or related field (MS/advanced degree preferred)  
  • At least 12+ years of relevant technical experience  
  • Demonstrated success in client development, proposal writing, and pursuit strategy 
  • Strong understanding of environmental review and/or permitting requirements for complex infrastructure projects in California 
  • Demonstrated success in supervising employees, being solution-oriented, and fostering positive relationship with staff, clients, agencies and subconsultants  
  • Familiarity with fisheries and aquatic resource issues—especially related to salmonids, Delta/Bay species, or restoration planning—is preferred 

 
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as water, transportation, energy and utilities, and local government. Our 400+ associates in our 13 California offices are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.  
 
The base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000–$190,000, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs. 

Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.  
 
Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here!  


 

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.

Apply: Director or Principal – Aquatic Resources Practice
* Required fields
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Location *
Phone number*
Resume*

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or paste resume

Paste your resume here or attach resume file

Cover Letter
LinkedInLinkedIn profile URL:
Desired salary*
Earliest start date?
References: Please enter names and contact information:
Preferred Name:
Why do you desire to leave your current employment? (if you’ve already left, please explain why or if for growth opportunities, explain the type of growth opportunities you are specifically seeking)*
What is your highest attained educational degree? (degree will be verified upon hire)*
Do you have 12 or more years of biological consulting experience in California?*
Describe your experience leading complex infrastructure projects (e.g., biological resource assessments for CEQA/NEPA documents and/or regulatory permitting). Include specific examples of the types of projects you’ve worked on and your role in managing these projects and clients.*
Describe your experience with fisheries and aquatic resource issues—especially related to salmonids, Delta/Bay species, or restoration planning.*
Describe your experience leading the growth of an aquatic resources or fisheries program. Include examples of how you’ve developed client relationships, shaped proposal strategies, built teams, and/or identified market opportunities.*
What is your ability to work in a Rincon office?*
Are you willing to relocate at your expense for this opportunity? **
Have you previously interviewed for a position with Rincon Consultants? If yes, what position?*
Are you authorized to work in the United States?*
Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship?*
Are you willing to submit to a background screening that meets the requirements of certain client contracts that include drug testing, employment verification of last three employers and E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States?*
I CERTIFY THAT THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THE ABOVE APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND I UNDERSTAND THAT, FALSE STATEMENTS OR DELIBERATE OMISSIONS ON THIS APPLICATION MAY BE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION FROM EMPLOYMENT OR, IF DISCOVERED AFTER EMPLOYMENT BEGINS, COULD RESULT IN DISCIPLINE UP TO AND INCLUDING TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.*
Privacy Notice: Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Rincon Consultants, Inc. (the "Company") is notifying you that by applying for a position, you are providing us the following categories of personal information that we may use to evaluate your candidacy for employment, communicate with you regarding your candidacy, and obtain and verify background checks, and references: Personal Identifiers (e.g., name*); Contact Information (e.g., address, email, phone number), Employment History (e.g., current and former positions held, work experience, and any certifications or licenses), and Education History.

*Should an offer being extended by the Company and accepted by you, additional Personal Identifiers such as SSN, Date of Birth, and Driver License information is required by our third-party background screening vendor.

By clicking "I AGREE," I acknowledge and confirm that I have received and read and understand this notice, and I authorize and consent to the Company’s use of the personal information it collects, receives or maintains for the business purposes identified above. **
The following questions are entirely optional.
To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Invitation for Job Applicants to Self-Identify as a U.S. Veteran
  • A “disabled veteran” is one of the following:
    • a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
    • a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
  • A “recently separated veteran” means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
  • An “active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran” means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
  • An “Armed forces service medal veteran” means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Veteran status
I IDENTIFY AS ONE OR MORE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROTECTED VETERAN LISTED ABOVE
I AM NOT A PROTECTED VETERAN
I DON’T WISH TO ANSWER
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Please check one of the boxes below:
YES, I HAVE A DISABILITY, OR HAVE HAD ONE IN THE PAST
NO, I DO NOT HAVE A DISABILITY AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN THE PAST
I DO NOT WANT TO ANSWER

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Name Date
Human Check*