Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager

About Insignia Environmental

Insignia Environmental (Insignia) is a collaborative, fast-paced growing environmental consulting firm full of bright, motivated employees. Our services are focused on the unique needs of energy projects, including renewables, electricity, and gas. We pride ourselves on being solution-oriented and go beyond traditional environmental review and permitting to leverage innovative concepts and technology to deliver results for our clients. Our reputation in the industry precedes us, and we are extremely proud of it!

Why Join Us?

We love our employees, listen to their input, and strive to take care of them. We are constantly investing in and providing opportunities for development and growth through internal training programs and our professional development program. We frequently gather for teambuilding events to strengthen our relationships and celebrate our employees’ milestones. We value giving back to our community and hold several volunteer events for our employees every year.

In support of our goal of being the best place to work, Insignia offers a casual, flexible work environment with generous benefits, including a 401(k)-equivalent program, medical insurance (including partial coverage for significant others and dependents), and an above-industry amount of paid time off that escalates with tenure. Our canine friends are invited to “work” in the office with us!

Position Details

Insignia is seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of complex environmental planning and permitting for energy projects.

This senior-level position involves managing multidisciplinary teams, directing the preparation of environmental documents and regulatory permit applications, and serving as a primary liaison with clients and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise; strategic leadership; and a deep understanding of environmental compliance under federal, state, and local regulations. This is a full-time, hybrid role that is based out of Insignia’s Encinitas office.

Job Description

• Manage the routing, siting, permitting, and/or environmental compliance aspects of energy projects.
• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary environmental projects from initiation through completion.
• Oversee preparation and technical review of environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Manage the development and submission of regulatory permit applications, including Clean Water Act (Sections 404 and 401), Endangered Species Act (Sections 7 and 10), and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Apply expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to guide project strategy and ensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulators, and stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Lead internal and client meetings related to project status, permitting strategies, and key milestones.
• Assign, oversee, and manage technical staff and subconsultants while providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Ensure environmental deliverables meet project requirements, agency expectations, and Insignia’s quality standards within budget and schedule constraints.
• Conduct technical writing, editing, and review of environmental analyses, technical studies, and permit packages.
• Support proposal development and business development efforts by contributing to scopes of work, budgets, and client outreach.
• Maintain and advance professional knowledge through training, conferences, and industry engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in a similar role, with experience in environmental consulting strongly preferred, and at least 5 years in a senior-level planner or project manager position.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the CEQA, NEPA, and other relevant federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Proven ability to manage complex regulatory projects involving environmental permitting, environmental review, interagency coordination, and client engagement.
• Technical expertise in one or more environmental disciplines, such as biology fields (e.g., botany, wildlife, wetlands), environmental policy, or land use planning.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems, species, and regulatory environments.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams of scientists or technical professionals, including supervision and workload coordination.
• Strong record of delivering high-quality work within scope, budget, and schedule across multiple concurrent projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Confidence and professionalism in interactions with clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical documents with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to make informed, independent decisions and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Other

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel when needed.

Benefits And Compensation

• Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 to $170,000.
• Insignia is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, Insignia benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program, retirement savings plan, and bonuses.

How to Apply

Insignia is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference in the environment and want to join a team that values excellence and camaraderie, we would love to hear from you!

Interested applicants should submit a resume with a brief cover letter. We request that applicants refrain from calling our office directly regarding this position.

Insignia may request, for lawful employment purposes, background information about candidates from a consumer reporting agency in connection with employment.

Insignia is an equal opportunity employer. Insignia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental or physical disability, genetic predisposition or characteristics, or any other characteristics protected by applicable state or federal civil rights law.