Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager

Insignia Environmental; Encinitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)-equivalent program

Medical insurance

Substantial paid time off

Volunteering opportunities

Casual work environment

Job summary

Insignia Environmental in Encinitas, California, is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager to lead complex environmental planning and permitting for energy projects. The role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, directing environmental document preparations, and serving as a liaison with clients and agencies.

The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, a deep understanding of environmental regulations, and strong leadership skills. This is a full-time, hybrid position with a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in environmental consulting.
• Proficiency in CEQA, NEPA, and federal/state regulations.
• Experience managing complex regulatory projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental planning and permitting for energy projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee project execution.
• Serve as primary liaison with clients and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Environmental compliance knowledge

Project management

Technical writing

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Insignia Environmental is a collaborative, fast-paced environmental consulting firm focused on energy projects, including renewables, electricity, and gas. The company emphasizes solution-oriented approaches and uses innovative concepts and technology to deliver results for clients.

Why Join Us? We invest in and provide opportunities for development and growth through internal training programs and a professional development program. We regularly hold teambuilding events and volunteer activities. Insignia offers a casual, flexible work environment with generous benefits, including a 401(k)-equivalent program, medical insurance (including partial coverage for significant others and dependents), and substantial paid time off that escalates with tenure. Our canine friends are welcome in the office.

Position

Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager — lead the development and delivery of complex environmental planning and permitting for energy projects. This senior-level role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, directing the preparation of environmental documents and regulatory permit applications, and serving as a primary liaison with clients and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a deep understanding of environmental compliance under federal, state, and local regulations. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Insignia’s Menlo Park headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Manage the routing, siting, permitting, and/or environmental compliance aspects of energy projects.
• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary environmental projects from initiation through completion.
• Oversee preparation and technical review of environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Manage the development and submission of regulatory permit applications, including Clean Water Act (Sections 404 and 401), Endangered Species Act (Sections 7 and 10), and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Apply expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to guide project strategy and ensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulators, and stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Lead internal and client meetings related to project status, permitting strategies, and key milestones.
• Assign, oversee, and manage technical staff and subconsultants while providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Ensure environmental deliverables meet project requirements, agency expectations, and Insignia’s quality standards within budget and schedule constraints.
• Conduct technical writing, editing, and review of environmental analyses, technical studies, and permit packages.
• Support proposal development and business development efforts by contributing to scopes of work, budgets, and client outreach.
• Maintain and advance professional knowledge through training, conferences, and industry engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in a similar role, with experience in environmental consulting strongly preferred, and at least 5 years in a senior-level planner or project manager position.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the CEQA, NEPA, and other relevant federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Proven ability to manage complex regulatory projects involving environmental permitting, environmental review, interagency coordination, and client engagement.
• Technical expertise in one or more environmental disciplines, such as biology fields (e.g., botany, wildlife, wetlands), environmental policy, or land use planning.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems, species, and regulatory environments.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams of scientists or technical professionals, including supervision and workload coordination.
• Strong record of delivering high-quality work within scope, budget, and schedule across multiple concurrent projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Confidence and professionalism in interactions with clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical documents with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to make informed, independent decisions and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Other

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel when needed.

Benefits and Compensation

• Compensation will be based on education, qualifications, experience, and location. The salary range is $100,000 to $170,000 per year.
• Insignia offers a comprehensive benefits program, which may include medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program, retirement savings plan, and bonuses, depending on employment status.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume to [e-mail] with a brief cover letter or cover email. Please include the phrase “Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager Resume” in the subject line. We request that applicants refrain from calling the office regarding this position.

Insignia is an equal opportunity employer. Insignia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, disability, genetic predisposition or characteristics, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.