Senior Fisheries Biologist

GEI Consultants is hiring a Senior Fisheries Biologist in Oakland, CA. The role involves leading aquatic science projects, managing environmental teams, and maintaining client relationships. Candidates should have expertise in fisheries and aquatic ecology, with experience in project management and regulatory processes. A Bachelor's degree is required, with a preference for a Master's or PhD. The position focuses on California projects and includes mentoring and problem-solving in a collaborative environment.
Description

Your role at GEI.

Job Description

The Fisheries Biologist will be responsible for planning, leading, and executing, technical-based aquatic sciences programs and projects; interfacing and maintaining strong relationships with GEI staff, clients, and teaming partners; and managing and/or providing input to environmental project and proposal teams. We are seeking a respected professional with experience on small-, medium-, and large-scale projects to help seek, obtain, develop, and execute projects in fisheries, aquatic sciences, and natural resources involving aquatic systems. The candidate will lead technical and sometimes complex projects focused primarily throughout California but occasionally in other states.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

The successful applicant will provide leadership and supporting roles in fisheries and aquatic ecology technical work and projects involving fisheries sampling programs and surveys, ecological restoration, Delta and Central Valley projects, natural resource management planning, ESA compliance documents and negotiations, and biological impact analyses for ESA, FERC, SWRCB, NEPA, and CEQA processes. Experience with the FERC regulatory process is a bonus. Projects will involve complex and technical fisheries analyses and investigations; innovative mitigation and conservation planning; multi-disciplinary teamwork with biologists, planners, restoration ecologists, landscape architects, engineers, and attorneys; and creative integration of natural resource analysis and project design. Exciting opportunities exist on projects involving fisheries and aquatic ecology; watershed assessment and management; aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement; aquatic bio-assessment; large NEPA and CEQA compliance documents for major California water resources programs; flood control and levee setbacks; comprehensive natural resource planning for local, state, and federal agencies; water rights applications and other regulatory/permit proceedings; planning studies related to natural resources management, water supply, and flood management; and ESA, NEPA, and CEQA compliance for all of the above. Formal and informal staff mentoring and problem solving of complex natural resource issues in a collegial environment are important components of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
• Candidates must have expertise and training in relevant disciplines (fisheries, aquatic ecology), as well as interest/training in one or more related disciplines (water quality, hydrology, stream restoration, watershed planning, population modeling, statistics, natural resources management, permitting, conservation biology, grant writing, FERC and Endangered Species Act analyses).
• Candidates should be detail-oriented, excellent communicators (both verbal and written), and have the capability to understand and communicate complex technical, regulatory, and management issues related to aquatic ecology.
• Experience with northern and central California aquatic environments is preferred (e.g., Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, Delta, North/Central Coast).
• 5-10 years of prior relevant consulting experience is required; 10+ years is preferred.
• Bachelors Degree in fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, or related natural resources field is required; Masters Degree or PhD is preferred.
We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Pay Range For This Position: $70,000.00 – $100,000.00/year
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

Sedentary

Light
X
Medium
Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
1-2 hours

Standing

6-8 hours

Walking

3-5 hours

Climbing
0-1 hours

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
0-30 pounds

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds

Carrying objects

6-8 hours

Push/pull
0-1 hour

Twisting
1-2 hours

Bending

3-5 hours

Reaching forward
1-3 hours

Reaching overhead
0-1 hour

Squat/kneel/crawl

3-5 hours

Wrist position deviation
1-2 hours

Pinching/fine motor skills
2-3 hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion
1-2 hours

Taste or smell (taste=never)
1-2 hours

Talk or hear

6-8 hours

Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision

X
Far Vision

X

Yes