This role is ideally based at our San Diego headquarters, where many of our executive and operational teams are located. That said, we are open to exceptional candidates based in other HELIX office locations, as well as individuals interested in relocating to San Diego over time.Day in the Life The Chief Financial Officer partners closely with the CEO, COO, and Board of Directors to guide financial strategy, assess performance, and support enterprise‑level decision making. On any given day, the Chief Financial Officer may review KPIs, advise on growth initiatives and investment decisions, assess financial risks, oversee financial operations, support Board-level discussions, and ensure systems, controls, and risk management practices align with HELIX’s core values and long‑term vision. What You’ll Do
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, COO, leadership team, and Board of Directors
- Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash flow management
- Oversee accounting, billing, payroll, and finance operations in a project‑based business
- Lead financial support for ESOP valuation, trustee communications, and repurchase obligations
- Support corporate governance and long‑term financial planning
- Provide early identification and escalation of financial risks
- Present clear financial summaries, projections, and KPIs
- Support contract review and enterprise risk management
- 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including senior leadership roles
- Prior Chief Financial Officer or senior finance leadership experience in AEC industry or professional services
- Demonstrated experience partnering with executive leadership on growth strategy, capital allocation, and financial planning
- Strong FP&A and strategic finance capabilities, including forecasting, scenario modeling, and translating financial insights into executive and Board‑level decision support
- Experience working in, advising, or supporting an employee‑owned (ESOP or similar) organization, including familiarity with valuation, governance, or repurchase‑obligation considerations
- Experience with Deltek (Vantagepoint preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- MBA and/or CPA
- Experience presenting to, partnering with, or supporting a Board of Directors or Board committees, including preparation of financial materials and discussion of risk, forecasting, or strategic topics
- Experience supporting or evaluating acquisition opportunities, investments, or other strategic growth initiatives, including financial modeling, risk assessment, and integration planning; direct transaction execution experience is a plus but not required
- Please describe why you are interested in the Chief Financial Officer role at HELIX Environmental Planning and what specifically about our mission, employee‑owned structure, or growth stage resonates with you.
- Based on HELIX’s publicly available information, describe how your leadership philosophy aligns with our culture. Please include a brief example of how this philosophy has guided your leadership in practice.
- Describe your experience working in or with an employee‑owned (ESOP or similar) organization, including your direct involvement with ESOP valuation, governance, and repurchase‑obligation planning. Please include the size of the organization(s) and your level of decision‑making responsibility.
Job Features
At HELIX, Chief Financial Officer plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s long‑term success through financial stewardship, strategic partnership, and governance. This Chief Financial Officer op...
- Build, maintain, and manage HELIX’s grant program and grant database
- Pursue and research new grant opportunities aligned with HELIX services
- Connect existing clients with relevant grant funding opportunities
- Attend and report on conferences, contacts, and opportunities
- Serve as the initial Project Manager/Grant Program for grant‑funded projects
- Transition projects to multidisciplinary project managers after kickoff
- Manage projects, budgets, proposals, contracts, and client communications
- Ensure project quality, safety standards, and coordination with field staff
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience, including project management
- Experience with grant writing, grant management, and grant research
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and sales tracking software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in the environmental consulting industry
- Technical background in habitat restoration, CEQA, biology, or cultural resources
Job Features
HELIX is seeking a Project Manager/Grant Program to build and lead our growing grant program while managing projects that directly support communities and the environment. As a Project Manager/Grant...
- Conduct terrestrial biological monitoring for construction and restoration projects
- Perform biological surveys including bird surveys, vegetation mapping, and focused species surveys (including rare plants)
- Maintain accurate field notes, maps, and project documentation
- Manage your workload and coordinate schedules with project managers
- Deliver high-quality work products on time and within budget
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
- Minimum 2 years of professional terrestrial biology experience (environmental consulting required)
- Experience with Southern California terrestrial flora, fauna and rare plant identification
- Experience with construction monitoring and/or conducting field surveys, including bird surveys
- Ability to hike long distances over varied terrain and weather conditions
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record
- Valid recovery USFWS permits for listed species (e.g., coastal California gnatcatcher, Quino checkerspot butterfly)
- Valid Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP) from CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife
- Previously approved by CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife as a Designated Biologist on projects
- Experience with least Bell’s vireo, Arroyo toad, desert tortoise and/or burrowing owl surveys
- Experience preparing biological monitoring reports
- Experience conducting surveys and monitoring for desert plant and wildlife species in Southern California
Job Features
HELIX is seeking motivated As-Needed Biologists to support our Southern California biology team during our busy field seasons. This As-Needed Biologist role is ideal for early to mid-level professio...
- Lead corporate and regional business development initiatives
- Build and strengthen long-term client and agency relationships
- Identify and pursue new contract opportunities and preferred clients
- Manage large, complex CEQA/NEPA compliance projects and on-call contracts
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to HELIX standards
- Prepare proposals and participate in interviews to win new work
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across HELIX offices
- Represent HELIX at public meetings, hearings, and professional events
- Mentor, recruit, and develop environmental planning staff
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, or related field
- 10+ years managing CEQA/NEPA programs, including 5+ years as a CEQA/NEPA consultant
- Proven business development experience with active Northern/Central California client relationships
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills
- Experience managing large, multidisciplinary projects
- Ability to work from a HELIX office in Folsom or Roseville at least two days per week
- Master’s degree or higher in a related field
- AICP or Certified Environmental Planner certification
- Experience managing direct reports
Job Features
HELIX is seeking a Principal Environmental Planner for our team in Northern California. You’ll shape the future of environmental planning across Northern California while helping grow a respected, e...
- Lead or assist with biological surveys, vegetation mapping, and jurisdictional delineations
- Conduct and lead construction and restoration monitoring
- Prepare and review biological technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documentation
- Support wetland permit applications and regulatory coordination
- Maintain accurate field notes, maps, and project documentation
- Assist with proposals, business development, and project delivery
- Travel overnight occasionally as required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, or related environmental science
- 5+ years of professional biology experience, including 2+ years in Northern California
- Experience with environmental consulting and independent biological assessments
- Strong technical writing and communication skills
- Ability to hike long distances in varying terrain and conditions
- Valid California Driver’s License and ability for overnight travel
- Floristic and special‑status species survey experience in Northern California
- Proficiency with the Jepson Manual and taxonomic keys
- Wetland delineation and restoration experience
- Relevant certifications (e.g., ISA Arborist, Wetland certifications)
- Agency coordination and field team leadership experience
Job Features
HELIX is seeking a talented mid-level Biologist to join our Biology team at our Roseville office location in Placer County. This Biologist role is ideal for an experienced professional who thrives in ...
- Conduct air quality, GHG, energy, and noise modeling and analysis as an Environmental Specialist
- Prepare technical reports and environmental document sections (IS/MNDs, EIRs, EISs, EAs)
- Apply tools such as CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, and FHWA TNM
- Evaluate impacts and determine significance under CEQA and NEPA
- Develop mitigation measures and support alternatives analysis
- Coordinate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams
- Respond to agency and public comments with clear technical support
- Maintain quality control and regulatory compliance in all deliverables
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, or related field
- We will consider those just graduating up to 4 years of experience supporting CEQA/NEPA air quality, GHG, or noise studies
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Excel
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Working knowledge of California and federal air quality, GHG, and noise regulations
- Experience with CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, HARP, and advanced noise modeling tools
- Experience preparing CEQA/NEPA environmental documents
- Master’s or PhD in a related field
Job Features
HELIX is seeking a motivated early career Environmental Specialist to join our NorCal Environmental Planning Group. You’ll be part of a collaborative team, primarily supporting projects in the Sacra...
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time
- Must be physically able and willing to work in varying terrain (including uneven surfaces and steep slopes) and weather conditions
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record over the last 3 years
- 1+ years of general labor and/or landscaping experience
- Knowledge of native plants
- Irrigation experience
- Planting experience
- Ability to use a smart phone and tablet for reporting purposes
Job Features
HELIX’s Construction Group, is seeking a highly motivated Landscape Habitat Restoration Technician with a strong work ethic to join our Orange County team. Our Construction Group division speci...
- CHRIS records search submittals and results analyses
- Historic-era map and aerial photograph analyses
- Native American tribal outreach and coordination
- Focused writing assignments under the supervision of senior cultural staff
- Leading or participating in field surveys within the Central Valley, Sierran foothills, and greater Sacramento or San Francisco Bay areas
- Extended archaeological survey requiring multi-week stays close to project areas in US National Forests or elsewhere
- Cultural resources site recording via handheld GPS devices, narrative notes, photographs, scaled sketch maps, and the preparation of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms
- Delivering Workers Environmental Awareness Trainings with an emphasis on cultural resource sensitivity
- Archaeological construction monitoring
- Additional field and office assignments, as deemed necessary by HELIX senior cultural resources staff.
- Bachelor's Degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field
- 3+ years of demonstrable professional experience in cultural resources management. An accredited field school may be considered in lieu of one of the years of professional experience.
- Strong interpersonal, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrable experience conducting archaeological survey, in-field analysis, resource documentation, field data collection, and management of field data and forms.
- Ability and willingness to work in challenging terrain, remote locations, and potentially inclement weather.
- Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork out of town for multiple consecutive days or weeks as projects require.
- Familiarity with the use of handheld GPS units.
- Familiarity with the prehistoric and historic-era archaeology of Northern and Central California.
- Access to a reliable motor vehicle and possession of a valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record over the last three years.
- Master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field.
- Demonstrated ability to assist with the preparation of cultural resources technical reports and/or report sections.
- Extensive experience summarizing previously prepared cultural resource studies.
- Extensive experience documenting sites in the field with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms and in preparing site update forms for previously recorded cultural resources.
- Familiarity with cultural resource requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
- Additional certifications in related fields.
- In‑office position with frequent field assignments
- Fieldwork may require multi‑day or multi‑week travel to remote locations
- Projects primarily in Northern and Central California
Job Features
HELIX is currently seeking a Staff Archaeologist to join our Northern California Cultural Resources Team at our Placer or Sacramento County offices. This position is an opportunity to contribute to a ...
- field surveys within San Diego and Riverside counties
- in-person and online historical research,
- preparation of historic documentation including California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms, assisting in preparation of technical reports, and
- communications with other cultural resources and environmental planning staff, subconsultants, clients, and agency staff. With this being an as-needed position, the number of hours is expected to vary and cannot be guaranteed.
- Bachelor’s degree in History, Architectural History, or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience
- Familiarity with historic preservation and cultural resources management/regulations within San Diego area and the State of California
- Experience conducting historical research in San Diego: specifically accessing government records (building permits and assessor records), research libraries (San Diego History Room, San Diego History Center) and other collections
- Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills.
- Experience authoring historic contexts
- Experience preparing California DPR forms
Job Features
HELIX is seeking an As-Needed Architectural Historian to support cultural resources and built-environment studies in Southern California. This As-Needed Architectural Historian role is ideal for a Sa...
- Assisting with or leading biology surveys, including biological reconnaissance, vegetation mapping, special-status plant surveys, jurisdictional delineations, focused species surveys and/or pre-construction clearance surveys.
- Conducting or leading biological monitoring for construction/restoration projects.
- Drafting or leading preparation of due diligence, focused survey, habitat assessment, biological technical reports, biological sections of NEPA/CEQA documents, annual reports, restoration plans and jurisdictional delineation reports, including analyzing impacts and identifying mitigation measures.
- Assisting project managers with preparation and processing of wetland permit applications and supporting materials.
- Maintaining accurate field notes and maps, project files, work logs, etc.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an environmental science, including botany, biology or other related field (degree in biochemistry or microbiology not acceptable)
- Three years of experience as a professional terrestrial biologist conducting duties related to the job requirements, including at least 1 year of work experience in northern California
- Experience working for an environmental consulting firm
- Demonstrated experience independently conducting biological resource assessments/evaluation
- Experience with field data collection methods and equipment
- Demonstrated experience preparing biological technical reports
- Ability to hike long distances over varying terrain under varying weather conditions
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record over the last 3 years
- Ability for occasional overnight travel
- Experience with environmental compliance monitoring during construction
- Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Two years or more years of experience conducting floristic surveys in northern California
- Ability to use Jepson Manual and other taxonomic keys to accurately identify plant species
- Demonstrated experience independently conducting aquatic resource delineations
- Permits to conduct focused surveys for northern California special-status flora and fauna
- Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture
- Basic Wetland Delineation Certificate
- Society of Wetland Scientists Wetland Certification
- Experience facilitating coordination and/or acting as liaison with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Experience leading field survey efforts and monitoring efforts
- Experience with native habitat restoration planning and implementation
Job Features
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, employee-owned California-based environmental consulting and planning firm, is seeking a motivated Mid-level As-needed Terrestrial Biologist base...
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time
- Must be physically able and willing to work in varying terrain (including uneven surfaces and steep slopes) and weather conditions
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record over the last 3 years
- 1+ years of general labor and/or landscaping experience
- Knowledge of native plants
- Irrigation experience
- Planting experience
- Ability to use a smart phone and tablet for reporting purposes
Job Features
HELIX’s Construction Group, an environmental construction and habitat restoration company, is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Habitat Restoration Technician with critical thinking skill...
- Master's Degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or closely related field with a concentration in archaeology
- Registered Professional Archaeologist
- At least 15 years of experience in archaeology that includes preparation of proposals and archaeological studies/reports and experience with agency consultation/coordination
- A successful track record in business development in California, with proven sales generation and client relationships
- Ability to prioritize and complete high-quality work within specified deadlines and budgets
- Knowledge of the federal and California laws and regulations pertaining to historic and archaeological resource management and an understanding of regulatory agency programs, procedures, and policies related to cultural resource management, including CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 NHPA
- Experience with Northern California prehistoric and historic archaeology
- Experience preparing Class/Phase I, II, and III archaeological surveys, analyses, and documentation requirements
- Demonstrated ability to manage cultural resources staff or teams, including training, mentorship, and supervision
- Experience coordinating with local Tribal representatives, resulting in positive Tribal relationships
- Knowledge of local agency guidelines for Section 106 of the NHPA and CEQA compliance, including guidelines pertaining to the completion of cultural resource studies
Job Features
HELIX is seeking a Cultural Resources Group Manager to join our northern California team (office locations in Folsom or Roseville). HELIX offers cultural resources, environmental, biological, acoustic...
Why Join Our Team?
We are a growing, employee-owned firm, we’re passionate about what we do, and we have a casual and collaborative work environment. Our employees describe us as team-oriented, caring, flexible, and driven by our standards for integrity. We recognize that each employee has individualized needs for support in the work environment and we aim to make each person’s experience the best it can be. In addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer wellness incentives, a community volunteer program, and much more.
We are excited to meet you! Learn more about life at HELIX
A GREAT PLACE TO WORK!
HELIX Environmental Planning was named as one of the 2023 Best Firms to Work For by ZweigGroup. As one of the top firms across all of the U.S. and Canada for the environmental consultant category, HELIX was recognized for the ability to inspire teams to perform at their highest levels and create an environment where people feel valued, can make a difference, and can clearly see their contribution to the overall mission and success of the firm.
