Environmental / CEQA Project Manager

About the role

BKF is hiring an Environmental Project Manager to lead Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA) projects and expand our CEQA/NEPA services throughout California. The position offers the option of being remote or hybrid.

Responsibilities

• Work with company leadership to achieve performance goals for the Environmental Planning team to grow market share in California
• In conjunction with firm leadership, reestablish industry contacts and build relationships with existing and prospective clients to build a steady and growing pipeline and backlog
• Lead environmental compliance as a project manager, overseeing CEQA/NEPA document preparation and related technical studies, and conducting environmental constraints and peer review of CEQA/NEPA documents
• Manage environmental compliance related documents for a variety of projects and clients, including land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education
• Drive thought leadership and BKF name recognition by actively engaging with the Planning and Environmental Services industry in California, contributing innovative ideas, participating in industry associations, serving in a leadership role in professional organizations, presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and establishing yourself as a recognized contributor and leader
• Guide and oversee environmental professional staff in technical, management, leadership, and client service skill sets
• Ensure the BKF Environmental Planning team in a key area excels both technically and financially by overseeing project performance and maintaining high standards in proposal and work product quality
• Coordinate complex environmental projects and/or multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts
• Strategize the environmental compliance needs of a given project, from exemptions and exclusions to EIRs and EISs
• Plan and coordinate projects and develop scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment, data analysis functions, timelines, budget, and invoicing
• Serve as a technical consultant and advisor to elected officials, citizen groups, and other stakeholders related to planning policies/standards, issues, processes, procedures, zoning/rezoning issues, ordinance changes, and environmental regulations
• Facilitate the public involvement process with meetings and/or presentations to bring together interested stakeholders to discuss proposed planning initiatives, assess obstacles, evaluate opposing views and interests, and determine areas of support
• Coordinate the work of consultants/contractors and other professionals who are assigned to specific projects
• Supervise a team. Coach, mentor, and develop staff

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Master's degree in a related field is preferred
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive leadership roles with oversight of planning and environmental professionals
• Provisionally responsible project management experience working on CEQA and NEPA projects in California and with clients for projects involving land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education
• Proven ability and experience supervising staff
• An articulate and persuasive communicator, both one-on-one and in front of large groups
• A high energy, passionate, forward-thinking, results-oriented, team player, and resourceful leader
• Collaborative and highly skilled at building and maintaining effective working relationships throughout the organization
• Ability to effectively manage teams and communicate with clients
• Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers, and leaders