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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to lift and…