Senior Planner

SUMMARY

Responsible for managing all aspects of complex environmental review and planning projects as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other environmental review and planning laws and regulations. The Senior Planner manages projects from inception to completion. This role involves managing project teams, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, interfacing with clients and regulatory agencies, completing projects within defined schedules and budgets and ensuring delivery of high-quality products and services. The Senior Planner also plays a key role in mentoring and developing project staff and developing new business.

LOCATION

This position is remote/hybrid. Office locations include Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento, CA, with flexibility for candidates based elsewhere in California.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Management
2. Lead the planning, execution, and completion of environmental review and planning projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
3. Develop scopes of work, schedules, and budgets; monitor progress against these metrics
4. Manage client relations, including setting expectations, delivering regular updates, and providing expert guidance on compliance with applicable environmental review and planning guidelines and regulations
5. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, agency staff, and other parties
6. Leadership
7. Provide day-to-day leadership to project teams, ensuring proper allocation of resources and maintaining open communication.
8. Mentor project staff, fostering professional growth and technical skill development
9. Offer constructive feedback and assist in career development planning
10. Technical Expertise
11. Oversee the preparation and review of CEQA documents such as Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports; NEPA documents such as Environmental Assessments, Findings of No Significant Impact, and Environmental Impact Statements; and other technical and planning documents
12. Ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance in all reports and documentation
13. Stay updated on changes to CEQA and NEPA regulations and other relevant environmental and planning laws.
14. Facilitate the public review process, including moderating and participating in public meetings and giving presentations at public meetings and hearings, and responding to questions and comments
15. Business Development
16. Support business development by identifying potential new clients and opportunities.
17. Prepare and present proposals to acquire new business.
18. Build and maintain relationships with key clients, agencies, and other stakeholders.
19. Attend conferences and prepare regulatory updates and present luncheon seminars.

(The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervise 1-3 employees in Environmental Consulting. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or related field from four-year college or university; and at least four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have experience managing EIRs, strong knowledge of CEQA Guidelines, project management experience, and excellent writing and communication skills. Must have computer literacy, including basic programming, word processing, spreadsheet skills, and knowledge of Microsoft office software package.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to work for long periods of time at a PC. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.