Senior CEQA Planner & Environmental Review Leader

Verdantas; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Verdantas in California is seeking an experienced environmental planning professional to lead complex CEQA reviews and manage multidisciplinary teams. The senior role requires independent EIR preparation from scoping through certification, with strong writing and client advisory skills.

You will mentor staff, ensure QA/QC, and support business development while navigating regulatory processes. The successful candidate will oversee agency consultations, stakeholder engagement, and public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Geography, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of CEQA experience with environmental planning and EIR preparation.
• Independent management of full EIRs, including scoping, impact analysis, mitigation, and findings.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA statutes, guidelines, and defensible document development.
• Proven track record managing scopes, budgets, schedules, teams, and client expectations.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, presentation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and management of CEQA documents, including Initial Studies, ND/MDNDs, full EIRs, and related reports.
• Manage complex environmental planning projects from initiation to completion, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and QA/QC.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams and integrate biological, cultural, air quality, hydrology, and other analyses into CEQA documents.
• Develop environmental review strategies, evaluate impacts and alternatives, and guide clients through CEQA decisions.
• Lead agency consultation, stakeholder engagement, public meetings, and hearings while coordinating with stakeholders and regulators.
• Support client development, proposals, fee development, and interviews while mentoring staff.

Skills

CEQA

Environmental planning

Project leadership

Technical writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning or related field

Job description

Verdantas in California is seeking an experienced environmental planning professional to lead complex CEQA reviews and manage multidisciplinary teams. The senior role requires independent EIR preparation from scoping through certification, with strong writing and client advisory skills.

You will mentor staff, ensure QA/QC, and support business development while navigating regulatory processes. The successful candidate will oversee agency consultations, stakeholder engagement, and public