Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager 1

GAI Consultants Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental insurance

401(k) company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner in Austin, Texas, to manage complex environmental planning projects. The candidate will ensure compliance with CEQA and NEPA, lead project teams, and develop client relationships. A Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in environmental planning are required, along with strong communication and analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in environmental planning and permitting, with 5+ years as Senior Project Manager.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale compliance projects and technical documents.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and related environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Act as primary client liaison for stakeholder meetings and negotiations.
• Prepare and review environmental documents and manage project teams.

Skills

Environmental impact analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Planner who will lead complex environmental planning projects, ensuring full compliance with CEQA/NEPA, and related regulations. This role combines strategic project management skills with technical expertise in environmental impact analysis, permitting, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects across utility, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and land development stages, ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and related federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the primary client liaison: facilitate stakeholder meetings and public hearings, negotiate permitting pathways, and maintain strong agency and client relationships to advance project approvals.
• Direct preparation and review of environmental documents (IS, EIR/EIS, EA, MD, MND, CE, etc.) and related technical studies (biological, cultural, air quality, noise, traffic, hydrology, etc.).
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, including subconsultants, project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely, cost‑effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth with environmental planning services.
• Participate in hiring, mentoring, and development of junior and mid‑level staff in environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and project management best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in environmental planning and permitting, with at least 5 years as a Senior Project Manager leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large‑scale compliance projects, including progress reporting, change orders, invoices, and billing across various development phases and geographic locations.
• Proven ability to author and review environmental impact analysis documentation and technical studies, delegating and managing deliverables with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, California Fish and Game Code, and California Coastal Act.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting, and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present at public hearings and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented, in‑office and/or remote environment, leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to travel up to 25% to GAI office locations, business development events, stakeholder hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Natural Resources Management, Geology, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as AICP, PMP, etc.
• Experience leading environmental review, planning, and permitting for complex energy projects (renewable, oil, gas, etc.) in California and Arizona, or other Southwestern U.S. states (Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah), coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies.
• This remote position prefers candidates located in California; however, applicants with extensive California project experience located in the Southwest U.S. are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• Salary range: $130,000 to $170,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and market‑based compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package: medical, vision, dental, company‑paid long‑term and short‑term disability (beginning within 30 days of hire), 401(k) company match, tuition reimbursement.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption program.
• Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GAI is an equal‑opportunity employer / protected veterans / individuals with disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.