Environmental Sciences & Planning Section Manager

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a highly motivated Environmental Sciences & Planning (ES&P) Section Manager to expand ES&P services in the Southern California area, specifically Los Angeles. This role collaborates across HDR’s Transportation, Resources, and Water groups to develop opportunities, manage projects, mentor staff, and lead multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of environmental planning experience, with strong leadership, communication, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning/Sciences or closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in environmental planning and managing medium to large projects.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and regulatory permitting in California.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the environmental planning section including staff development and profitability.
• Function as Project Manager and lead production on projects while managing scope, schedule and budgets.
• Lead marketing planning, proposals, and interviews; coordinate services with other sections.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Team mentoring

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning/Sciences

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

HDR is seeking a highly motivated Environmental Sciences & Planning (ES&P) Section Manager to expand ES&P services in the Southern California area, specifically Los Angeles. This position is responsible for collaborating and providing technical expertise across HDR’s three business groups (Transportation, Resources, and Water). This individual will work with senior management across HDR’s three business groups to develop new opportunities, manage and deliver projects, develop staff, and respond to client needs. This is a seller/doer position and requires an individual with a strong character of self-motivation, technical capability, and team leadership.

Responsibilities also include development and review of technical work products (environmental documents and technical studies) and project management. Technical work product includes, but is not limited to the management, preparation, planning, development, and/or analysis/review of technical studies and documentation that meet requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal and state permit applications. Work will be accomplished independently and through coordinating or supervising small to large technical and professional teams from local and regional offices. Project Management will include establishing the sequencing of environmental tasks/projects, from financial management of the project through successful completion (managing scope, schedule and budget) of the project using HDR’s technology, standards, and project delivery practices. Candidate will be responsible for task management, staff management, and mentor junior and mid-level environmental planning staff.

In the role of Environmental Sciences & Planning Section Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Take responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
• Function as Project Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities
• Take administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews
• Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues
• See that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
• Implement, monitor and support company policy
• Select, train, develop and manage technical personnel
• Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
• Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning/Sciences, or closely related field
• At least 15 years of experience in environmental planning of which at least an aggregate of 10 years directly managing medium to large scale infrastructure improvement projects in Southern California
• Demonstrated knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and regulatory permitting and other environmental processes in California is required
• Experience leading environmental tasks as part of other small, medium, and large/complex engineering and planning projects (Transportation, Resources, Water)
• Project Management experience including management of scope, schedule, and budgets.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and staff management skills with experience in managing staff at all levels
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong conceptual, planning, organizational, problem-solving and research skills.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and as part of a team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 12, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affiant Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.