Senior Environmental Planner & Project Manager, CEQA/NEPA

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

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.