Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager 1

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

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Planner to lead complex environmental planning projects and ensure CEQA/NEPA compliance across multiple sectors.

This role combines strategic project management with in-depth regulatory knowledge and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will manage budgets and schedules, direct environmental documentation and technical studies, 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 at least 5 years of senior project management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale compliance projects in various regulatory contexts.
• Experience authoring/reviewing environmental impact analyses and technical studies.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA and related regulations.
• Business development, forecasting and client relationship experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present at hearings.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and maintain a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects across multiple sectors.
• Direct preparation and review of environmental documents and related studies.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, budgets, schedules, and QA/QC.
• Drive business development, proposal strategy, and client growth.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff in environmental planning and project management.

Skills

CEQA/NEPA

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting

Proposal writing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Planning

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

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 include directing multidisciplinary teams, managing budgets and schedules, and serving as the primary client liaison. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of team leadership and management of environmental planning projects with strong CEQA/NEPA‑related regulatory knowledge and proven success in delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects in multiple stages of development in utility, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and land development sectors, ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and related federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the primary client liaison: facilitate and participate in stakeholder meetings and public hearings, negotiate permitting pathways, and maintain strong agency and client relationships that 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, related project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and 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 efforts to hire, mentor and develop junior and mid‑level staff in environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and project management best practices.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in environmental planning and permitting, with demonstrated expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance, including at least 5 years of senior project management experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large‑scale compliance projects, including project‑specific progress reports, change orders, invoices, and billings, in various phases of development and geographic regulatory contexts.
• Proven ability to author/review environmental impact analysis documentation and technical studies, and delegate and manage deliverables with key team members and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, including 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 by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
• Ability to travel periodically (up to 25%) to GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events/hearings, and client meetings as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience 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 (renewable, oil, gas, etc.) projects in California and Arizona, or other Southwestern U.S. states (Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah) and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.
• Remote position prefers candidates to be located in California. Candidates with extensive California project experience located in the Southwest U.S. are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $170,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

General Characteristics

• This position is responsible for leading the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality for CEQA/NEPA compliance projects.
• Ability to demonstrate successful use of fundamental project management skills to effectively manage projects.

Minimum Years of Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of total technical experience directly related to the outlined Position Requirements, with at least 5 of those years serving as a Senior Project Manager leading and directing multidisciplinary project teams for an environmental consulting organization or similar professional services firm.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Natural Resources Management, Geology or related field; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Teamwork and Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversight and coordination of project task deliverables, which could include involvement with subconsultant partners.
• Provide guidance to junior staff and opportunities for them to become familiar with task management and financials.
• Recruiting and retaining staff.
• Develop and implement day‑to‑day routines for a team.
• Talent development: develop staff skills and empower them as problem‑solvers to boost innovation and productivity.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Deliver scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed.
• Plan and manage proposals and projects with multiple technical disciplines.

Business Development Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain successful client relationships on existing projects.
• Identify bid opportunities and coordinate and develop a proposed scope, schedule, and fee for submission in competitive bidding opportunities.
• Support senior management in contract negotiations with clients.

Communication Responsibilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborate and communicate with and garner support from key stakeholders and staff.
• Read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Write reports and other business correspondence.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Why GAI?

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that's committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits to Working at GAI Include

• Competitive salary – GAI is committed to paying market‑based salaries.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company‑paid Long Term Disability, and Short‑Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire).
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program.
• Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays.
• 401k company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.