Renewable Energy Environmental Planner

Stantec is hiring a Renewable Energy Environmental Planner/Permitting Specialist in Los Angeles, CA. This role involves assessing and permitting renewable energy facilities, including electric transmission and battery storage. Key responsibilities include preparing environmental impact documents per CEQA and NEPA, managing project teams, and overseeing technical studies. The ideal candidate should have experience with utility-scale solar and wind projects, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Occasional travel may be required.
About the position

Stantec is seeking a Renewable Energy Environmental Planner/Permitting Specialist to join our Environmental Assessment, Permitting, and Compliance Business Line. This role is pivotal in supporting the assessment and permitting of renewable energy facilities, including electric transmission and battery storage infrastructure. The successful candidate will lead and prepare proposals, oversee the preparation of environmental impact analysis documents, and manage discretionary permit applications. This position offers the opportunity to apply technical, project management, and business development skills across a diverse range of projects and clients throughout California. The role emphasizes collaboration with top environmental talents and provides professional development opportunities within a rapidly growing consulting organization. Key responsibilities include preparing and managing the preparation of various environmental impact documents in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This includes Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs. The candidate will also oversee the preparation of technical studies and field surveys that inform CEQA and NEPA documents, such as biological resources surveys, cultural resources surveys, and air quality reports. Additionally, the role involves managing project teams, ensuring deliverables are met, and maintaining project schedules and budgets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental planning and permitting, particularly for large utility-scale solar and wind projects, and will be adept at navigating complex regulatory environments. This position requires effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with clients, regulatory agencies, and team members. The candidate should be prepared for occasional travel to support project work and business development efforts.

Responsibilities
• Prepare, manage the preparation, and review all types of environmental impact documents and associated mitigation programs in accordance with CEQA and NEPA.
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• Oversee preparation of environmental permit applications with various federal, state, and local agencies for a variety of project types/sizes.
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• Manage tasks and/or projects, including project team assignments, deliverables, and administrative records.
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• Prepare and review technical studies and associated field surveys informing CEQA and/or NEPA documents.
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• Lead and document communications with clients, regulatory agencies, and team members.

Requirements
• Experienced CEQA/NEPA practitioner and environmental planner with ability to guide projects through the California and federal environmental permitting processes.
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• Experience with environmental permitting for large, utility-scale solar and wind projects and battery storage projects.
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• Ability to analyze information, develop appropriate impact conclusions, and author feasible and effective mitigation measures.
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• Experience developing complex technical documentation and navigating multi-agency jurisdictions for projects with substantial community involvement.
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• Demonstrated attention to detail and accountability.

Nice-to-haves
• Industry-specific training (specialized field survey methods, CEQA/NEPA courses), certifications (e.g., PWS, CWB, AICP, HAZWOPER).
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• Familiarity with federal, state, and county permitting processes and applications.
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• Experience with diverse project types including transportation, water, and community development projects.

Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
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• Wellness program
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• Health saving accounts
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• Flexible spending accounts
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• 401(k) plan
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• Employee stock purchase program
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• Life and AD&D insurance
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• Short-term/long-term disability plans
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• Emergency travel benefits
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Professional membership fee coverage
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• Paid family leave
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• Ten paid holidays per year
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• Accrual of vacation between 10 and 20 days per year
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• Paid sick leave in accordance with state and local law