Senior Environmental Planner & Project Lead (CEQA/NEPA)

GAI Consultants Inc.; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision & Dental coverage

Disability insurance

PTO & holidays

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to lead complex environmental planning projects, ensuring CEQA/NEPA compliance and related regulatory requirements.

The role combines strategic project management with technical analysis, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. You will direct multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and schedules, and serve as the primary client liaison to advance project approvals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in environmental planning and permitting, with demonstrated CEQA/NEPA expertise and at least 5 years in senior project management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale compliance projects and deliverables across regulatory contexts.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA and related U.S. environmental laws.
• Experience leading business development, forecasting, and client relationships in an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for public hearings and stakeholder meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects across multiple development sectors.
• Serve as primary client liaison and facilitate stakeholder meetings and hearings.
• Direct preparation and review of environmental documents and technical studies.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, budgets, and schedules with QA/QC processes.
• Drive business development and proposal strategy to grow environmental services.
• Mentor and develop junior staff in environmental planning and project management.

Skills

CEQA/NEPA

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Budgeting & scheduling

Client liaison

Microsoft Office

Travel 25%

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Planning

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Subconsultant coordination tools

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to lead complex environmental planning projects, ensuring CEQA/NEPA compliance and related regulatory requirements.

The role combines strategic project management with technical analysis, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. You will direct multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and schedules, and serve as the primary client liaison to advance project approvals.