Senior Planning Team Lead

About the opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Senior Planning Team Lead to support our operations in the Great Basin. This role is responsible for providing leadership within the Planning and Permitting Program by managing staff, projects, and clients. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of developing new business, managing complex projects, meeting financial goals, and mentoring others to do the same. Our Great Basin Team out of Salt Lake City, Utah, seeks a self-motivated individual with proven and demonstrated leadership and communication skills. Individuals must have strong NEPA experience (e.g., EAs, EISs), work with peers across various offices, and accomplish tasks associated with a variety of projects in any given week. The ability to work directly with clients is imperative. The interest in pursuing new business is also desirable. This is a regular (with benefits), full-time. salaried/exempt position, reporting to the Great Basin Planning Director, based in Salt Lake City, UT. Work can be based in the office, in a hybrid work arrangement, or distributed, for those located in the region. The office offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, and specializes in environmental planning, permitting, multi-disciplinary project manager, and hydropower. The successful candidate will have a depth of experience and familiarity with the business environment with the Great Basin subregion. Application deadline : Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. [This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established]. What you will accomplish Supervises and manages planning staff and project teams, ensuring that project goals, timelines, and quality standards are met. Develops and implements strategic plans for staff and project team performance, setting clear objectives and providing guidance to achieve project success. Oversees and leads the preparation and review of planning documents, ensuring thorough analysis and compliance with local, state, federal, and Tribal environmental regulations. Facilitates collaboration and communication within the team and with other departments, promoting a cohesive and efficient work environment. Conducts performance evaluations, provides feedback, and supports the professional development of team members. Engages with clients and regulatory agencies to understand project requirements, address concerns, and ensure successful project outcomes. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to address complex planning challenges. Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance of all technical work produced by the team. Manages project budgets, schedules, and resources, making adjustments as necessary to meet evolving project needs and ensure successful delivery. Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications. Performs related work as assigned. Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities [Can Add/Edit Section] Support execution of regional Environmental Planning strategies and business objectives. Evaluate market conditions and identify growth opportunities with existing and prospective clients. Lead go/no-go evaluations and support proposal development, marketing pursuits, and capture planning activities. Foster a sell-doer culture through mentoring, accountability, and participation in business development initiatives. Develop and maintain relationships with industry organizations, agency representatives, and key stakeholders to strengthen regional market presence. Lead environmental impact analyses and preparation of NEPA, state, and local environmental review documents, including EAs, EISs, critical-issue analyses, and environmental permits. Provide technical leadership for environmental review efforts supporting renewable energy, transmission, mining, land‑use planning, and related infrastructure projects. Guide NEPA processes including baseline studies, purpose-and-need development, public scoping, comment response, and preparation of Records of Decision and Findings of No Significant Impact. Oversee county and state land‑use approvals and environmental permitting activities, including special‑use permits and certificates of environmental compatibility. Experience and qualifications for success Bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, or another planning or science‑related field. Eight (8) years of planning or NEPA document preparation and experience in environmental consulting, including some experience managing others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; attention to detail; and organization, schedule, and budget management skills. Experience on complex, multi‑disciplinary projects; leading meetings with clients and agencies; directing project teams including subcontractors; preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and planning/NEPA documents; and setting and adhering to project budgets and delivery schedules. A working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the ability to develop project execution plans to satisfy regulatory compliance. A working understanding of agency internal processes and procedures such as the BLM, USFS, NPS, BOR, and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Proven experience with a subset of public lands, land‑use planning, natural and cultural resource issues, wind and solar projects, transportation projects, and or oil/gas projects in the western US. Applicants must have valid driver’s license and be able to meet SWCA’s driver requirements. A track record of collaborative teamwork, individual accountability, and behaviors that align with SWCA’s values and contribute positively to an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, or another planning or science‑related field. Ten (10) years of planning or NEPA document preparation and experience in environmental consulting. Experience with supporting business development with federal agencies, RMPs, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy developers or other non-federal applicants that seek permits or leases from federal agencies. Candidates in the Salt Lake City, UT or Great Basin area. #J-18808-Ljbffr