Prinicpal Environmental Planner

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Environmental Planner to lead and oversee environmental planning efforts for projects throughout the Central Valley area in California. In this senior leadership role, you will be responsible for managing large-scale environmental planning projects, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local regulations, and providing strategic direction for the environmental planning team. You will work closely with stakeholders, clients, and regulatory agencies to navigate complex environmental challenges and drive sustainable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership: Lead and manage large-scale, complex environmental planning projects from initiation through completion, ensuring timely delivery, regulatory compliance, and alignment with client objectives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Oversee the preparation of environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) under CEQA and NEPA. Ensure that all environmental documents meet or exceed legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Client and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and community stakeholders. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and ensure their environmental planning needs are met.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Lead and mentor a team of environmental planners, providing guidance, training, and professional development to junior and mid-level staff. Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Strategic Planning: Provide strategic direction on project goals, timelines, and resource allocation, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in line with client expectations.
• Technical Expertise: Utilize deep technical expertise in environmental regulations, policies, and planning best practices to solve complex environmental issues and deliver optimal solutions.
• Public and Agency Engagement: Conduct presentations and workshops, participate in public hearings, and engage with governmental agencies, ensuring transparency and facilitating clear communication on project progress and environmental impacts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Environmental Policy, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental planning, with at least 5 years in a leadership or project management role.
• Expertise: Extensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and other relevant environmental regulations. Strong understanding of environmental impact analysis, land use planning, and sustainability practices.
• Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage large-scale projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and environmental planning software tools (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD, or similar platforms).
• Certifications: Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or other relevant professional certifications is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams across a variety of project types, including transportation, energy, water resources, and urban development projects.
• Familiarity with California's unique environmental regulations and policies.
• Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive salary based on experience, with an expected range of $140,000 to $170,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including full health coverage (with dependents), 401(k) with company match, and performance bonuses.
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement within a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).