Senior Planning Technical Lead — Strategy & Impact

verdantas; West Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Verdantas in the United States seeks a Senior Technical Lead to join our Planning & Advisory Services practice, shaping the strategic direction of planning engagements nationwide. You will lead complex contracts, guide policy development, and serve as a trusted advisor to public agencies and regional stakeholders.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration with Engineering, Environmental, Transportation, and Natural Resources teams, and mentorship of junior staff

Responsibilities

• Establish technical direction, methodologies, and best practices for the planning practice.
• Lead major planning contracts, long-range planning initiatives, and complex policy development projects with regional or national impact.
• Review and approve high-complexity deliverables, including: Comprehensive and master plans
• Environmental Impact Statements (EIS/EIR)
• Complex entitlement applications and packages
• Policy and regulatory documents
• Ensure technical quality, consistency, and methodological rigor across all planning projects
• Provide expert testimony in regulatory, legislative, and legal proceedings
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams in collaboration with Engineering, Environmental, Transportation, Natural Resources, and Grants/Funding specialists
• Serve as a trusted advisor to public planning officials, government agencies, and regional stakeholders
• Represent Verdantas at industry conferences, professional associations, public forums, and regulatory proceedings
• Lead strategic planning pursuits and cultivate long-term relationships with key clients and agency partners
• Strengthen Verdantas' visibility, reputation, and influence within the planning profession
• Provide expert interpretation of planning laws, zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and development codes
• Advise project teams, clients, and leadership on regulatory requirements and compliance strategies
• Monitor emerging regulatory, legislative, and policy trends affecting planning and development
• Identify and communicate potential risks, opportunities, and strategic implications for clients and the firm
• Lead pursuit strategy and proposal development for major planning and advisory opportunities
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with public agencies, municipalities, and regional stakeholders
• Drive growth through service line expansion, innovation, and emerging planning practice areas
• Establish thought leadership through industry engagement, publications, presentations, and professional participation
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts that differentiate Verdantas in competitive markets
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level planners across the practice
• Establish and maintain technical standards, guidance, and quality expectations for planning services
• Support employee career development, including AICP certification and professional advancement
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and succession planning initiatives
• Design and deliver firm-wide training programs that reflect industry best practices and evolving planning trends
• Foster a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning across the planning team

Job description

Verdantas in the United States seeks a Senior Technical Lead to join our Planning & Advisory Services practice, shaping the strategic direction of planning engagements nationwide. You will lead complex contracts, guide policy development, and serve as a trusted advisor to public agencies and regional stakeholders.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration with Engineering, Environmental, Transportation, and Natural Resources teams, and mentorship of junior staff