CEQA Project Manager

BKF Engineers; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k)

Paid time off packages

Education reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Job summary

BKF Engineers is looking for an Environmental Project Manager based in California. In this role, you will lead CEQA/NEPA projects, build client relationships, and manage environmental compliance documents. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or Environmental Science, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership skills. This position allows for remote or hybrid work arrangements, offering a competitive salary ranging from $145,000 to $180,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing planning and environmental professionals.
• Experience with CEQA and NEPA projects in California.
• Valid California Class C driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA) projects in California.
• Manage environmental compliance documents for various projects.
• Build relationships with clients to create a growing pipeline.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Environmental Compliance

Client Relationships

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or related field

Master's degree in a related field

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

Job description

At BKF, we’re not just growing—we’re thriving! As a dynamic multi‑service consulting firm, we specialize in planning, engineering, surveying, and construction management. With more than 20 West Coast offices, we have been a trusted partner in land development, transportation, water resources, and government services and markets for over 110 years. Our firm combines deep technical resources with a collaborative approach to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that bring community visions to life.

BKF is hiring an Environmental Project Manager to lead Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA) projects and to expand our CEQA/NEPA services throughout California. The Project Manager will build a project portfolio and a staff of additional qualified environmental professionals. This position offers the option of remote work (with the ability to be in a BKF office when necessary) or hybrid work (sharing time between one of the California offices and home).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with company leadership to achieve performance goals for the Environmental Planning team to grow market share in California.
• Reestablish industry contacts and build relationships with existing and prospective clients to create 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 documents for a variety of projects and clients including land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and higher education.
• Drive thought leadership and BKF name recognition by engaging with the Planning and Environmental Services industry in California, participating in industry associations, serving in leadership roles 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 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, develop scope of work and work plans, and prepare 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 assigned to specific projects.
• Supervise a team and coach, mentor, and develop staff.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Progressively responsible project‑management experience on CEQA and NEPA projects in California with clients for projects involving land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education.
• Proven ability to supervise staff.
• Articulate and persuasive communicator, both one‑on‑one and in front of large groups.
• High energy, passionate, forward‑thinking, results‑oriented team player and resourceful leader.
• Collaborative and highly skillful at building and maintaining effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Effective team management and client communication skills.
• Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers, and leaders.
• Valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands

Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions

Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high‑stress, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Typical base salary range: $145,000 to $180,000, annualized, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location. Salary paid bi‑weekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401(k).
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 paid holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement and paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• Competitive and award‑winning benefits and perks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.