Senior Project Manager 1

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Natural Resources/Biology Project Manager to lead and manage complex natural resources impact assessment, permitting and regulatory compliance efforts for energy projects in California and the greater Southwest US region.  Responsibilities span project lifecycle management—from siting/routing, CEQA/NEPA compliance and natural resources/waters impact permitting to agency coordination and construction support—while ensuring adherence to related regulatory requirements. The position combines the need for technical natural resources expertise with a passion for business development and the desire for leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of managing biological surveys, authoring habitat assessments and permit packages, and managing compliance monitoring for energy and transmission projects on time and within budget.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead natural resource compliance strategy for energy projects across the full project lifecycle: routing/siting, environmental impact assessments, permitting and construction compliance.
• Serve as the primary client contact and agency liaison: proactively engage and negotiate permitting pathways with USACE, USFWS, BLM, state wildlife agencies, and local jurisdictions; and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Prepare, submit, and track reports and related permit applications and agency consultations associated with local, state and federal regulations.
• Identify potential project risks and negotiate complex permit conditions and mitigation strategies with agencies and stakeholders.
• Manage technical and field teams (including subconsultants) related to biological studies, and the associated task/project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, proposal strategy and writing, participate in interviews, and support account growth across energy infrastructure and energy markets.
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level biologists.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in biological resources studies and environmental permitting for energy/transmission infrastructure projects, with proven expertise with environmental impacts analysis, siting/routing studies, CEQA/ NEPA documentation, and agency (BLM, USFWS, USACE) engagement involving federal and state Endangered Species Act, and state and federal jurisdictional waters assessments, permitting and mitigation strategy.
• Strong project management skills with a successful track record of overseeing and delivering multiple complex natural resource based projects in various phases of development and geographic locations on time and on budget.
• Excellent writing skills are required with proven ability to author, manage and review permit applications and technical reports supporting federal, state, and local regulatory documentation and permit application submissions.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to present at public hearings, agency, and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams both in office and remotely by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel (up to 25%) to project sites, GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events, agency hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with energy projects on both public and private lands, and associated permitting and environmental review in the Southwestern US.
• Strong knowledge of California and/or Southwest US flora and fauna, especially special-status species
• Well experienced with natural resources impact assessment, permitting, and compliance in California (CDFW, CESA, Section 401/1600 permitting.)
• Established working relationships with USACE, USFWS, BLM, and state agencie