Director / Principal - Aquatic Resources Practice

About Us
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place to Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role
We are 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.

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 the following Rincon offices: Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura. (Please note: While this role's location is listed as Oakland, we encourage you to apply if you reside in or near any of the CA locations listed above.)

What You’ll Do

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.

What You'll Bring

• BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Planning, or related field (MS/advanced degree preferred).
• 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.

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.