Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager 1

Senior Environmental Planner

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Planner who will lead complex environmental planning projects, ensuring full compliance with CEQA/NEPA, and related regulations. This role combines strategic project management skills with technical expertise in environmental impact analysis, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include directing multidisciplinary teams, managing budgets and schedules, and serving as the primary client liaison. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of team leadership and management of environmental planning projects with strong CEQA/NEPA-related regulatory knowledge as well as proven success in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects in multiple stages of development in utility, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and/or land development sectors, ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and related federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the primary client liaison: facilitate and participate in stakeholder meetings and public hearings, negotiate permitting pathways, and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Direct preparation and review of environmental documents (IS, EIR/EIS, EA, MD, MND, CE, etc.) and related technical studies (biological, cultural, air quality, noise, traffic, hydrology, etc.).
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams including subconsultants, related project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth with environmental planning services.
• Participate in efforts to hire, mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff in environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and project management best practices.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in environmental planning and permitting, with demonstrated expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance in an environmental consulting capacity, including at least 5 years of experience serving as a Senior Project Manager leading and directing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale compliance projects, including project specific progress reports, change orders, invoices, and project billings, in various phases of development and geographic location regulations.
• Proven ability to author/review environmental impact analysis documentation and technical studies as well as delegate and manage deliverables with key team members and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, including California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, California Fish and Game Code, and California Coastal Act.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present at public hearings and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented, in-office and/or remote environment by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel periodically (up to 25%) to GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events/hearings, and client meetings as needed
• Maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience Qualifications:

• Masters' degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Natural Resources Management, Geology, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as AICP, PMP, etc.
• Experience leading environmental review, planning and permitting for complex energy (renewable, oil, gas, etc.) projects in California and Arizona, or other Southwestern US states (Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah) and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.
• This remote position prefers candidates to be in California. However, candidates with extensive California project experience located in the Southwest US are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $170,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.