Senior CEQA & Environmental Compliance Leader

Terraphase Engineering Inc.; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401(k) match

Flexible Work Schedule

Tuition/Licensing/Professional Development Reimbursement

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm is looking for a Principal Environmental Compliance Consultant with over 16 years of experience. The candidate will lead compliance programs and manage client portfolios while guiding regulatory negotiations. Responsibilities include ensuring project compliance and mentoring teams. The firm prides itself on high-quality services and offers a competitive compensation package based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• 16+ years of consulting experience with a focus on environmental compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead compliance programs and manage client portfolios.
• Recognized expertise in federal and multi-state regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Lead large-scale and multi-state compliance programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding regulatory negotiations and agency interactions.

Skills

Consulting experience in environmental compliance

Client development

Project management

Mentoring and leading teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, or related discipline

Tools

ArcGIS

Power BI

AutoCAD

Job description

Terraphase offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We listen to our clients and focus on their needs. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.

Description

Terraphase Engineering is seeking an experienced and driven environmental planning professional to become an integral part of our growing CEQA/NEPA/Tribal Planning team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to diverse, high-impact projects across California and the nation for tribal projects—including infrastructure, energy, education, residential, commercial, and industrial developments. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical and collaborative skills to support environmental review, policy evaluation, and the development of effective mitigation strategies. You’ll join a collaborative team with growth opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and the chance to influence sustainable planning outcomes statewide.

The Role

• Lead or oversee the research and preparation of CEQA documents, including Categorical Exemptions, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports under the mentorship of well-seasoned CEQA Principals.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams, ensuring that environmental analyses, regulatory strategies, and project deliverables are accurate, consistent, and aligned with project goals.
• Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and contract requirements, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with agency and client expectations.
• Interface directly with clients, agency staff, and legal counsel to navigate entitlement strategies, permitting processes, and environmental review pathways.
• Present at public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and agency workshops, demonstrating subject matter expertise and facilitating consensus.
• Drive business development by cultivating client relationships, identifying new project opportunities, and leading proposal development with cross-functional teams.
• Mentor staff and contribute to team-building efforts, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented culture.
  
  

Who You Are

• 5+ years of professional experience in CEQA document preparation, NEPA knowledge a plus.
• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in environmental planning, environmental sciences, urban and regional planning, geography, or a related discipline.
• A strategic thinker who thrives in a casual and collaborative environment and is motivated by making meaningful environmental and community impacts.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, organization, writing, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with tribal planning or interest in working with our Tribal clients to support self-governance.
• Knowledge of complex permitting processes is a plus.
• Experience with or interest in public educational facilities projects is a plus.
  
  

Compensation for this position is based on years of experience, technical expertise, technical education, and geographic location.

Pay Range

$98,000 - $130,000 USD

Who We Are

We are an environmental consulting company that offers cost-effective solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. We apply technical expertise and keen awareness of the regulatory framework to achieve our clients' project goals and objectives. The combined talent and experience of Terraphase's engineers, geologists, and scientists form the foundation for a comprehensive environmental management approach.

Terraphase was founded with the goal of developing a full-service engineering and consulting firm that provides high-quality services to clients with regional and nationwide operations. We are driven by creating valuable work products for our company and clients, and a rewarding environment for our employees. Our staff is comprised of registered professionals in civil engineering, geology, hydrogeology, and geotechnical engineering.

Our unique company culture philosophy of appreciating and recognizing individuals for their work, leadership, and mentoring, while supporting and encouraging a healthy personal and professional lifestyle help to make Terraphase one of the best places to work.

Benefits

Terraphase offers an extensive benefits package including; Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, a generous 401(k) match, Commuter Benefits, TerraLunches, TerraTalks, Tuition/Licensing/Professional Development Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedule, ongoing company-sponsored events.

EOE STATEMENT

Terraphase is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to an inclusive & diverse work environment where individual strengths and diverse viewpoints are respected and complement each other to achieve common goals. (EOE M/V/F/D)

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