Principal Environmental Scientist: SoCal Permitting Lead

Stantec; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Environmental Scientist to join our Santa Barbara, CA office. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex environmental projects, and guide regulatory strategy across CEQA/NEPA, permitting, and compliance.

The role emphasizes mentorship, client engagement, and delivering high-quality work with standard ISO-aligned processes. The position involves office work with some travel, collaborating with biologists, planners, and engineers to support renewable

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive responsibility in environmental projects and leadership.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, scope, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams on environmental projects in southern California.
• Oversee regulatory strategy, CEQA/NEPA analyses, and permitting.
• Drive business development, proposals, and client engagement.
• Coordinate with regulators, clients, and staff to deliver quality reports on time and within budget.
• Travel as needed for project work in the western U.S.

Skills

Project management

Mentorship

Client liaison

Regulatory compliance

Biology expertise

Environmental planning

Leadership

Business development

Job description

Stantec is seeking a Principal Environmental Scientist to join our Santa Barbara, CA office. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex environmental projects, and guide regulatory strategy across CEQA/NEPA, permitting, and compliance.

The role emphasizes mentorship, client engagement, and delivering high-quality work with standard ISO-aligned processes. The position involves office work with some travel, collaborating with biologists, planners, and engineers to support renewable