Director of Environmental Planning

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We have 50 years of experience in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States.

We are looking for a highly motivated Director of Environmental Planning in the Northern California area. The ideal candidate will have 20+ years of related work experience and excel at leading a team of talented environmental professionals, managing various complex CEQA and NEPA projects, pursuing new business development opportunities, and providing solid client stewardship.

• Experienced Senior Consultant in the environmental planning field seeking a new leadership opportunity and looking to join a dynamic and growing organization.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience leading complex projects and guiding high‑performing teams in California, especially Northern California, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree with 18 years of relevant experience.
• Excited and motivated by the prospect of continuing to advance an established team of expert environmental professionals. Takes pride in managing people, mentoring, fostering teamwork, and growing the team.
• Knowledge and proven ability to serve as a primary author or senior reviewer of specialized and highly complex environmental documents.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NEPA, CEQA, and similar state/federal regulations.
• Intellectual curiosity and thrives in collaborative environments. Skilled at delivering meaningful and strategic solutions to address complex environmental challenges for both public agency and private development clients. Excellent communication skills and ability to speak persuasively about complex topics to individuals and groups.
• Significant experience managing the overall project life cycle, from developing project proposals to overseeing day‑to‑day project assignments and tracking financial performance. Demonstrates creativity, judgment, and foresight in planning and organizing activities and programs.
• Regular client interactions and routinely cultivates clients through work and business development and marketing activities. Motivated by business development, pursuing new opportunities, and building long‑term client relationships. Confident working with clients independently, leading cross‑practice and cross‑regional initiatives, and making decisions that advance both project and company goals.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science or related interdisciplinary field.

• Lead large, complex projects and tasks as a Director of Environmental Planning, serve as a technical specialist, and develop technical approaches and strategies for a wide range of complex environmental planning studies and interdisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of project and client management principles and be responsible for developing technical documents and creative solutions in accordance with applicable guidelines and requirements, delivering assignments within budget and schedule.
• Provide mentorship and support for junior and mid‑level staff, including career development guidance, constructive feedback when reviewing reports for accuracy and clarity. Participate in regional leadership and decision‑making for the firm’s operation and growth. Serve as the primary author of specialized or complex environmental documents when necessary.
• Represent ESA in the marketplace, lead client meetings, and present at community workshops and public hearings, presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Participate in marketing and business development efforts, contribute to pursuit decision‑making, provide technical input to multidisciplinary proposals, perform strategic review of proposals, and participate in interviews.

We provide medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you and your family), annual allocations of company shares through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

We support career development through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and conference attendance.

CA Pay Transparency Clause

170, USD

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)