Principal-level Environmental/CEQA Planner

PlaceWorks is seeking a Principal-level Environmental/CEQA Planner with at least 10 years of experience in CEQA/NEPA projects. The role involves leading project management, mentoring staff, and collaborating across multiple office locations. Ideal candidates should possess strong technical writing, communication skills, and a passion for environmental services. The position allows for remote work when needed, indicating flexibility in work arrangements.
Job Title

Principal-level Environmental/CEQA Planner

Location

Berkeley, CA - US (Primary)
Los Angeles, CA - US
Ontario, CA - US
Sacramento, CA - US
San Luis Obispo, CA - US
Santa Ana, CA - US

Category

CEQA / Environmental Planning

Job Type

Full-time Exempt

Career Level

Senior Level

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Travel

Job Description

While we may not have a current open principal-level environmental/CEQA planner position, we are continuously expanding and always interested in hearing from exceptional candidates. For this position, the individual should have a minimum of 10 years' professional experience preparing CEQA and/or NEPA documents and managing CEQA projects. In addition, an ability and interest to train, mentor, and guide team members is a must. Our Environmental Team works in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative environment with staff and technical resources across multiple office locations. Typical work of our environmental planning practice encompasses a variety of private and public sector project work including general and specific plans, schools, parks, mixed-use development, commercial centers, and infrastructure projects. This position would also provide peer review of documents prepared by others as well as QA/QC for internal documents.

This is a Principal-level position. Principals of our firm are perceived as leaders in the industry. Principals also have a demonstrated ability to successfully lead, manage, and oversee staff, projects, presentations, marketing, business development, and client relations-all of which are qualities and skills the ideal candidate must possess.

You're most likely a fit if:
• You are a creative problem solver, outgoing and can maintain a sense of comradery, and passionate about environmental services work and using your skills for the betterment of communities and the environment.
• You're a self-starter who can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment, including a virtual, work from home environment when needed.
• Managing multiple projects is second nature and you have successful experience overseeing and coordinating major components of CEQA and/or NEPA projects of all sizes within budget and schedule. Project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to, proposal writing, budgeting, staff and sub-consultant coordination, staff oversight, scheduling, billing reviews, contract review, status reports, client interaction, quality control, and community outreach.
• You have excellent technical writing skills and are experienced with preparing technically sound and legally defensible analyses and environmental impact assessment documentation in compliance with CEQA and/or NEPA.
• You are experienced with processing data and writing impact analysis for all levels of CEQA compliance from exemptions through environmental impact reports (EIRs).
• You are current on changes and judicial actions relative to environmental compliance, CEQA, and NEPA.
• You have strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and solid client communication abilities. You communicate with the general public, staff members, clients, and others in a professional and courteous manner.
• You are experienced in marketing, business development, and proposal writing efforts.
• You have professional acumen to cultivate working relationships with staff in other divisions, clients, community-based organizations, government agencies, and other firms.
• You are genuinely interested in working with junior staff and allow others to share in the success of projects. You're able to supervise and guide staff in all areas of project management and technical skills, effectively delegating work, providing clear direction, and timely feedback.
• You have strong leadership and management abilities to grow, mentor, and lead staff members.
• You're comfortable with public speaking and presenting-you'll be expected to represent PlaceWorks at job interviews, community workshops, and conferences.
• You're able to coordinate, travel to, and attend client meetings and community workshops which may occur on weekday nights and weekends.
• You possess a bachelor's degree or master's degree in urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; land use or environmental law; or related field.
• You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings.

The pay range for this position is $160,000 - $195,000 per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.

Job Requirements
• *When applying to this position, please attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample as 3 separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your writing sample if it exceeds 500KB.**

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.