Director​/Principal - Utilities Practice

Rincon Consultants is 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.

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.

• 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 and DER 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.
• 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…