Senior Environmental Planner

ICF Olson; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job description

Senior Environmental Planner & Project Manager Hybrid or Remote within California

Help Shape the Future of California's Infrastructure and Communities At ICF, we don't just navigate environmental challenges, we help our clients solve some of the most complex infrastructure, permitting, and sustainability issues facing California and the nation. We are enthusiastic about doing what is right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, engineers, program managers, economists, communicators, and strategists united by a common purpose: delivering solutions that improve communities while protecting the environment.

As our energy, water, transportation, and infrastructure practices continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Planner & Project Manager to join our California team. This is an opportunity for a seasoned environmental leader to drive strategic programs, lead multidisciplinary teams, grow key client relationships, mentor future leaders, and help shape major projects from concept through construction. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, enjoy developing innovative solutions to complex regulatory challenges, and are passionate about advancing projects that matter, we'd love to talk with you.

What You'll Do

As a Principal Environmental Planner & Project Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor, project leader, and technical expert for public and private sector clients across California and beyond. You will lead complex environmental planning, permitting, and compliance efforts while helping expand ICF's market presence and mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.

Leadership & Program Management

Manage large, complex environmental planning and compliance projects across all sectors with a focus on water and infrastructure projects. Serve as a Senior Project Manager for high-profile projects. Management of federal, state, and local permitting and compliance for projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] and National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA] and other regulations. Serve as a point of contact with private, local, state, and federal government clients. Work with multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, scientists, economists, cultural resource specialists, biologists, environmental compliance professionals, and technologists. Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, and risk while ensuring successful client outcomes. Foster collaboration across technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

Environmental Planning, NEPA, CEQA & Permitting

Lead preparation and review of complex CEQA and NEPA documentation. Lead regulatory strategy, agency consultation, mitigation planning, and environmental risk management for complex infrastructure projects, including development of avoidance, minimization, compensatory mitigation, and compliance approaches that support efficient project delivery. Provide technical expertise related to environmental regulations, permitting pathways, agency consultation, and environmental review processes. Guide clients through federal, state, and local permitting requirements and environmental compliance obligations. Review technical studies addressing biological resources, cultural resources, air quality, noise, hydrology, transportation, land use, and related disciplines.

Client Leadership & Business Development

Serve as a point of contact and trusted advisor for public agencies, infrastructure owners, developers, and construction and engineering partners. Guide multidisciplinary teams through complex and high-visibility environmental review processes, including projects with significant public interest, interagency coordination, technical complexity, and schedule or permitting risk. Build and strengthen client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing contracts and develop new business. Manage proposal development, including strategy, capture planning, scopes of work, budgets, and pursuit teams. Help drive growth across California while contributing to national opportunities.

People Leadership

Mentor, coach, and develop junior environmental professionals. Provide technical oversight, quality reviews, and strategic guidance on complex projects. Help build and strengthen high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results for clients. Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible environmental planning, environmental compliance, permitting, and project delivery experience.
• Experience managing complex CEQA and NEPA projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• Experience supporting transportation, water resources, energy, restoration, community development, or other major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with water infrastructure, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, wastewater, rail, transportation, or other major California public works programs.
• Expertise working with resource agencies, permitting authorities, and local jurisdictions.
• Experience serving as Program Manager or Project Director on large, multi-year programs.
• Existing relationships with California public agencies and infrastructure clients.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and delivering large projects through all phases of development.
• Experience with federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, permitting processes, and agency coordination requirements.
• Client management, project management, and business development experience.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $108,006.00 - $183,610.00 California Remote Office (CA99)

About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.

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