Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager

Environmental Science Associates; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking environmental consulting firm as a Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager. In this pivotal role, you'll lead complex projects that shape community development and environmental compliance in the Pacific Northwest. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project success while enhancing your professional growth. This position offers the chance to engage with diverse clients and contribute to impactful environmental solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 20 years of experience in environmental analysis and permitting.
• Experience in managing complex permitting projects in Washington state.

Responsibilities

• Manage environmental permitting and planning documents for various projects.
• Prepare complex environmental documents, including federal permits.

Skills

Environmental Analysis

Permitting

SEPA Compliance

NEPA Compliance

Project Management

Business Development

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies or Related Field

Master's Degree in Environmental Studies or Related Field

Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager with intellectual curiosity and initiative to help grow our team of environmental consultants in the Pacific Northwest. This senior-level role in our Environmental Planning Practice involves providing expertise for state agencies, local municipalities, community development, water and wastewater districts throughout the Northwest. The position focuses on leading federal, state, and local environmental permitting, SEPA and NEPA compliance, and fish passage-related work. We value collaboration, quality, outstanding client service, and being part of a team passionate about doing great work and having fun.

We are dedicated to helping communities address 21st-century challenges. We value creative thinking, diversity, and multidisciplinary engagement. As a Senior Environmental Planner/PM, you will manage complex, high-profile projects that enhance our firm's reputation and benefit our clients. Our practice includes environmental planners, permit specialists, scientists, and designers engaged in some of the most complex projects in the region.

Our Northwest team works on projects for clients such as the City of Bellevue, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, King County, the Port of Seattle, City of Vancouver, City of Bend, City of Salem, City of Camas, and other public and private clients. We are at the forefront of environmental and climate science, planning, and policy. You will focus on client relationships, professional engagement, and expanding our client base. Our culture promotes ownership, collaboration, flexibility, and professional growth.

As part of our team, your role as a Senior Environmental Planner/PM will involve working with diverse teams across the Northwest and Portland, with occasional opportunities elsewhere. We aim for high client engagement and leadership on projects that benefit communities, leading to professional recognition.

Who You Are

• You hold a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, planning, biology, public policy, science, or a related field, with at least 20 years of experience in environmental analysis and permitting for public and private clients.
• A master's degree with 15 years of relevant experience is also acceptable.
• You have led or managed complex permitting projects in Washington state.
• You possess practical experience, a proactive attitude, and knowledge of SEPA, land use, environmental permitting, and regulations in Washington.
• You are skilled in producing clear, well-supported documents and presenting complex information persuasively to diverse audiences.
• You are collaborative, supportive, and proactive in team settings, mentoring junior staff and managing project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Experience with water resource or wastewater projects, land use analysis, environmental permits, sustainability, and climate change is desirable. Supervisory experience is a plus but not required.
• You have excellent communication skills and experience in business development, including proposals and client engagement.
• You are based in Oregon or Washington.

What You Will Do for ESA

• Manage or contribute to environmental permitting and planning documents for various projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure project compliance with guidelines, managing budgets and schedules effectively.
• Prepare and oversee complex environmental documents, including federal permits, NEPA/SEPA documentation, and reviews of development plans.
• Coordinate with clients, technical teams, and stakeholders, producing clear technical and written products.
• Lead business development efforts, including proposals, scopes of work, and client engagement.
• Mentor junior staff, review their work, and support their professional development.
• Manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, maintaining respect and equity in team interactions.

Compensation

Pay ranges are established based on location and experience. For this role, the approximate range is $147,156 — $179,857 USD, determined by experience, education, skills, and location.

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm that values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of mutual respect and varied perspectives to achieve better solutions and success.

All in-person employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption, in accordance with safety policies.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment (EOEM/V/F/D).