Lead​/Senior Environmental Planner - CEQA in Northern CA

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a motivated Lead or Senior Environmental Planner in the Northern California area, specifically with local agency experience and connections in the Bay Area, to pursue, manage and prepare various CEQA and NEPA projects, pursue new business opportunities, and collaborate with a talented and established environmental professionals throughout California. The position requires skills to manage large, complex projects and meet milestones within schedule and budget expectations, as well as competency in technical writing and the ability to provide quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) oversight.

Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work directly with clients is imperative. In addition, the role involves contributing to proposals, meeting with clients, and conducting all forms of marketing and business development.

We are considering candidates for the following levels:

• Lead Environmental Planner – Typically with at least eight (8) years of relevant experience and expertise
• Senior Environmental – Typically with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience and expertise

This is a regular, full-time, salaried position (with benefits) and is eligible for a flexible hybrid work arrangement in the Bay Area.

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organization.
• Prepare and manage a wide variety of CEQA and NEPA documents for a wide range of project types and clients.
• Travel to client meetings, site visits, hearings, and conferences.
• Conduct background research and data collection on environmental topics primarily for CEQA documents and, less often, for NEPA documents.
• Lead and prepare proposals, coordinate with teaming partners, participate in interviews, and contribute to client outreach and capture planning efforts.
• Foster new client relationships, strengthen existing client relationships, and conduct ongoing business development with clients.
• Supervise and provide mentorship and support for junior and mid-level staff, including providing constructive feedback when reviewing reports for accuracy and clarity.
• Work closely with and manage teams of planners and technical specialists to produce CEQA and NEPA documents and related tasks for various projects.
• Prepare understandable summaries of technical environmental background studies prepared by technical experts, such as transportation and circulation, geology and soils, air quality, and/or noise.

• Experienced environmental planner seeking a new technical opportunity to provide leadership and a voice to an established and recognized employee-owned consulting firm.
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least eight (8) years of experience with a public planning agency, an environmental consulting firm, or comparable experience.
• Working knowledge of CEQA and NEPA, as well as other related environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience leading client and business development efforts and proposals to secure new opportunities with new clientele.
• Strong technical review skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication and teaming skills.
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and be able to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

An employee in this Half Moon Bay, CA-based position can expect a salary of $101,861 to $130,965 per year for the Lead Planner role, and $115,090 to $149,485 per year for the Senior Planner role. Pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law. Regular‑status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses.

Candidates are encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package and forward‑thinking workplace flexibility.

EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.