Community Planner (NEPA Specialist) - UMIAQ Environmental

Overview UMIAQ Environmental is seeking a versatile Community Planner (NEPA Specialist) to join our Anchorage-based team. This role is instrumental in driving our projects forward, ranging from long-range comprehensive planning and NEPA documentation to stakeholder engagement and business development. Our ideal candidate is a proactive professional who thrives on variety – whether presenting to a City Council, consulting with agencies, or tracking complex project milestones. Because this role sits at the intersection of technical documentation and public interaction, exceptional communication skills are essential. Responsibilities NEPA Leadership: Prepare, manage, and review environmental documentation to ensure full NEPA compliance across diverse project types. Strategic Community Planning: Lead long‑range and comprehensive planning initiatives, translating complex data into actionable community goals. Public Engagement & Advocacy: Facilitate high‑stakes community meetings and stakeholder engagement, acting as a clear and professional voice for the firm. Legislative Presentation: Deliver technical and project‑based presentations to City Councils, Planning Commissions, and community leadership. Agency Liaison: Coordinate and consult with federal, state, and local agencies to navigate permitting and regulatory requirements. Project Lifecycle Management: Maintain rigorous project tracking and scheduling to ensure all milestones and deliverables are met on time. Business Development: Support company growth by cultivating client relationships and identifying strategic opportunities for new planning and environmental work. Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with technical and professional staff to integrate environmental science with community planning needs. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities In‑depth understanding of NEPA, Section 106 of the NHPA, and other applicable federal and state environmental regulations. Solid understanding of public participation models and the legal requirements for public noticing and agency consultation. Familiarity with Alaskan Native Corporations, tribal government structures, and the unique logistical challenges of working in remote Alaska. Ability to translate complex technical jargon into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences, from technical agency staff to local community members. Skill in leading public meetings, managing conflicting viewpoints, and building consensus among stakeholders. Proven ability to manage multiple project timelines, budgets, and sub‑consultants simultaneously. Experience acting as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies to navigate permitting hurdles and project reviews. Minimum Qualifications 5–7 years of professional experience in community planning, environmental consulting, or a related field. Ability and willingness to travel to rural and remote locations throughout Alaska, occasionally in small aircraft or via off‑road transport, for up to 20% of the year. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for technical reporting and data management; advanced experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro for professional document production. All employees must pass Non‑DOT pre‑employment drug screening. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience leading the preparation of Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusions, or Environmental Impact Statements. Proven track record of managing projects within the State of Alaska, including a solid understanding of the logistical and cultural nuances of working in rural and remote communities. Extensive experience facilitating public meetings and leading formal consultations with federal and state agencies (e.g., EPA, USACE, ADOT/PF, or SHPO). Experience developing or contributing significantly to comprehensive plans, land‑use plans, or long‑range community visioning documents. Experience preparing and delivering formal presentations to local government bodies, such as City Councils, Planning Commissions, or Tribal Councils. History of successfully managing multiple project schedules and deliverables simultaneously in a fast‑paced consulting environment. Physical and Mental Demands Ability to lift and carry 30+ pounds. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending during field and office activities. Manual dexterity to operate sampling equipment and handle materials. Adequate vision and hearing to safely perform job duties. Mental focus to follow detailed regulatory procedures, interpret complex data, and prepare accurate technical reports. Working Conditions Work performed in both office and field environments, including remote and rural locations. Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions. Work at sites that may involve contaminated soils, groundwater, moving mechanical equipment, and other environmental hazards. Travel locally and out of state, including to remote communities, often requiring extended hours, weekends, or irregular schedules. Benefits Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short‑ and long‑term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans. Eligible full‑time employees also receive paid time off, while part‑time employees can participate in the 401(k) and required paid time off programs. Equal Employment Opportunity UIC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics (EOE/D/V). In furtherance, pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their descendants, based on the provisions contained within The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity posters here ( All candidates may be subject to a pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC’s Non‑DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre‑employment criminal background history check. All post‑secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification. Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in‑house, online driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes. #J-18808-Ljbffr