Environmental Planner - CEQA in Northern CA

About the opportunitySWCA 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, pursuing new business opportunities, and collaborating with a talented and established environmental professionals throughout California. The position of Senior Environmental Planner 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. As a seller-doer, an equally important aspect of this position will be contributing towards preparing proposals, meeting with clients, and conducting all forms of marketing and business development. This position would collaborate  with SWCA’s interdisciplinary staff in the Northern California subregion, including our planning, natural, and cultural resources teams, throughout California, and among SWCA’s other west region offices.

We are considering candidates for the below 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 eligible for a flexible hybrid work arrangement in the Bay Area. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience.

We offer a close-knit and supportive, team-oriented work environment, competitive wages, a competitive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and a career growth opportunity to join SWCA’s growing California environmental planning practice.

Final date to receive applications:
Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants.

What you will accomplish

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and 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.

Contribute to business development by leading and preparing proposals, coordinating with teaming partners, participating in interviews, and contributing 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.

Experience and…