Job Search

Overview

A highly respected, employee-owned environmental and planning consultancy is seeking a senior environmental planning leader to join at the Associate Principal / Principal-track level, with a clear pathway to leading the Bay Area planning practice.

This is a long-term leadership opportunity for an accomplished CEQA professional who wants more than just project delivery - someone motivated to shape strategy, mentor teams, grow a practice, and ultimately take on a regional leadership role within a firm known for its technical excellence and industry credibility.

The firm is widely recognised as a technical authority in CEQA, with multiple industry leaders and a strong reputation across California's environmental and planning community, including deep visibility within California AEP.

Key ResponsibilitiesPractice & LeadershipStep into a Principal-track role with increasing responsibility for regional leadership and successionHelp shape the strategic direction, growth, and long-term vision of the Bay Area environmental planning practiceCollaborate closely with senior leadership on operations, resourcing, and practice developmentMentor, develop, and retain high-performing planners and project managersProject & Client LeadershipLead the firm's largest and most complex CEQA (and NEPA) projects, from early strategy through approvalsServe as trusted advisor and primary client contact for public- and private-sector clientsOversee scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and quality controlNegotiate contracts and manage financial performance, including billing and collectionsTechnical ExcellenceDirect and review CEQA/NEPA documents (EIRs, EISs, EAs, IS/MNDs) ensuring defensibility and best practiceProvide senior-level technical and peer review of environmental documentsStay at the forefront of CEQA case law, regulatory changes, and evolving best practicesAct as a technical leader internally and externallyBusiness DevelopmentPlay a leading role in business development, proposals, and interviewsMaintain and expand long-standing client relationshipsHelp position the firm as a go-to CEQA advisor in the Bay Area marketExpected to generate and sustain work consistent with a senior leadership roleOutreach & RepresentationRepresent projects at public meetings, hearings, and stakeholder forumsParticipate in professional organizations, conferences, and industry eventsAct as a visible leader within the regional environmental planning community

QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Environmental or Land Use Law, or related field10+ years of experience in environmental planningExtensive experience managing complex CEQA projects (NEPA experience strongly preferred)Proven ability to lead teams, manage senior client relationships, and oversee financial performanceDemonstrated success in business development and practice growthExcellent technical writing, analytical, and presentation skills

Why This Role Is DifferentEmployee-owned firm with a genuine long-term mindset - leaders are grown and retainedWidely regarded as a technical CEQA authority, with deep in-house expertiseA household name within California AEP and the broader environmental planning marketOpportunity to work alongside - and ultimately succeed - established industry leadersRare chance to step into a legacy leadership role with long-term regional influence

ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Read less