Director​/Principal - Utilities Practice

Director / Principal - Utilities Practice

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with 500+ professionals and over 30 years of experience serving clients across 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. At Rincon, people come first.

We are seeking a Director/Principal to lead our Utilities practice within the Environmental Planning and Natural Resources teams. This is an opportunity for a proven leader in the utilities sector to shape Rincon’s statewide strategy, guide high profile 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. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in business development, complex project delivery, and regulatory navigation, with expertise in utility infrastructure, operations and maintenance planning, licensing, and energy delivery solutions.

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 a Rincon office. Eligible office locations include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

• Shape and lead Rincon’s statewide strategy for utilities services.
• 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 transmission, distribution, power generation, and utility infrastructure projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with major California utilities, including So Cal Gas , SDG&E, PG&E, LADWP, and SCE.

• 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 CPUC, FERC, utility‑specific permitting, and licensing.
• Oversee planning and permitting of operations and maintenance programs, including execution of PEA (Proponent’s Environmental Assessments) and DER (Detailed Engineering Review) where applicable.
• Streamline operations and enhance service delivery through process improvements.

• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent for the Utilities 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.

• BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Planning, or related field (MS/advanced degree preferred).
• 12+ years senior‑level experience in utilities‑focused consulting, project delivery, and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver strategic solutions for clients.
• Experience in licensing, permitting, and programmatic compliance for utility infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of CPUC processes, General Orders, and utility O&M permitting.
• 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.

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…