Senior CEQA/NEPA Planning Leader & Client Growth

Trinity Consultants; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Consultants, a Trinity Consultants company, seeks a Principal Planning Manager (CEQA/NEPA) to lead the planning practice with a strong emphasis on business development and high-quality environmental planning. The role guides multidisciplinary teams, ensures on-time, on-budget delivery, and maintains regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will bring a robust California client network, senior-level planning expertise, and a track record of delivering EIRs and related documents

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban or environmental planning or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in environmental planning and CEQA/NEPA document preparation and management, including project and team leadership.
• Principal level or equivalent with direct responsibility for business development and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development across public agencies and private development to grow firm revenue.
• Direct and mentor project teams through CEQA/NEPA reviews and planning processes.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources for efficient delivery of services.
• Represent the firm at hearings, scoping meetings, and agency negotiations to advance opportunities.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop staff; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Skills

Originating book of business

CEQA/NEPA expertise

California planning law

Technical writing

Leadership of multidisciplinary teams

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban/environmental planning

10+ years in environmental planning

Principal/Director-level experience

Job description

Meridian Consultants, a Trinity Consultants company, seeks a Principal Planning Manager (CEQA/NEPA) to lead the planning practice with a strong emphasis on business development and high-quality environmental planning. The role guides multidisciplinary teams, ensures on-time, on-budget delivery, and maintains regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will bring a robust California client network, senior-level planning expertise, and a track record of delivering EIRs and related documents