Environmental Planner - CEQA in Northern CA

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.

About the Role

This position involves managing large, complex projects, meeting milestones within schedule and budget, and providing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) oversight. As a seller-doer, you will contribute to business development by preparing proposals, meeting with clients, and conducting marketing efforts. Collaboration with SWCA’s interdisciplinary teams in Northern California and other west region offices is essential.

We are considering candidates for the following levels:

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

This is a regular, full-time, salaried position with a flexible hybrid work arrangement in the Bay Area.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and organization.
• Prepare and manage a wide variety of CEQA and NEPA documents for diverse project types and clients.
• Travel to client meetings, site visits, hearings, and conferences.
• Conduct background research and data collection on environmental topics for CEQA and NEPA documents.
• Lead business development efforts, including preparing proposals, coordinating with teaming partners, and participating in client outreach.
• Foster and strengthen client relationships through ongoing business development.
• Supervise, mentor, and support junior and mid-level staff, providing constructive feedback on reports.
• Manage teams of planners and technical specialists to produce CEQA and NEPA documents.
• Prepare summaries of technical environmental background studies (e.g., transportation, geology, air quality, noise).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental science, or a related field.
• At least eight (8) years of experience with a public planning agency, environmental consulting firm, or comparable experience.
• Working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and related environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience leading client and business development efforts, including proposals and securing new opportunities.
• Strong technical review, interpersonal, and teaming skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
• Performance bonuses for regular-status employees.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Career growth opportunities within SWCA’s California environmental planning practice.
• Close-knit, team-oriented work environment with a supportive culture.
• Access to award-winning career development programs and resources.

Pay

An employee in this Half Moon Bay, CA-based position can expect a salary of:

• Lead Planner: $101,861 to $130,965/year
• Senior Planner: $115,090 to $149,485/year

Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements, and other factors permitted by law.