Director / Principal Renewable Energy Practice

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Director/Principal to lead our Renewables practice within the Environmental Planning and Natural Resources teams. This is an opportunity for a proven leader in the renewable energy sector to shape Rincon’s statewide strategy, guide high-profile solar, transmission, and battery energy storage system (BESS) 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.

You will set practice priorities, identify emerging market needs, guide service innovation, and collaborate closely with executive leadership and cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in business development, complex project delivery, and regulatory navigation, with expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance, biology and natural resources permitting, and renewable energy project planning.

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.

We are open to locations across California.

Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development and Client Leadership

Shape and lead Rincon’s statewide strategy for renewable energy services, with emphasis on solar, transmission, and BESS projects.

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 renewable energy and, transmission.

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 renewables projects, including siting, permitting and compliance.

Streamline operations and enhance service delivery through process improvements.

Team Development and Mentorship

Recruit, develop, and retain top talent in the Renewables 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.

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following

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

12+ years’ progressive experience in environmental consulting, including senior-level project management, business development, and technical leadership with a focus on renewable energy and transmission.

Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver strategic solutions for clients.

Expertise in CEQA/NEPA permitting and compliance, with the ability to direct and QA/QC technical work.

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.

Rincon Consultants 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 transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000–$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 offered will consider internal equity and 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!

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.