Senior Project Manager – Environmental Planning & Permitting (CEQA) - Pending Post

Woodard & Curran; California; Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodard & Curran seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead environmental planning and permitting across California and the West Coast. You will guide complex CEQA/NEPA studies, coordinate with agencies, manage project teams, and drive business development while mentoring professionals.

You’ll oversee regulatory strategies, ensure compliance, and deliver high-impact infrastructure projects. This role offers hybrid/remote work options and meaningful client impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Forestry, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of environmental planning and permitting experience for infrastructure, water resources, and site development projects.
• 8+ years of project management experience in a consulting environment.
• Extensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, and related regulations (CA & federal).
• Proven experience leading agency coordination, environmental review processes, and permitting efforts.
• Established relationships with CA/regional regulatory agencies (RWQCB, SWRCB, CDFW, DWR, USACE, USFWS).
• Experience developing permitting schedules, cost estimates, and environmental compliance programs.
• Strong written communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities across distributed teams.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Dynamics 365.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor identifying environmental regulatory risks and developing strategic solutions.
• Lead CEQA/NEPA environmental review and permitting projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop regulatory and permitting strategies aligning with client objectives.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and project partners.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, invoicing, and financial performance.
• Perform QA/QC of environmental documentation, studies, field data, and subconsultants.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams including environmental scientists and engineers.
• Support client relationships and business development efforts.
• Lead proposal development, strategic pursuits, and marketing initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff and project teams across distributed locations.
• Monitor progress and ensure client satisfaction and successful outcomes.

Skills

Project leadership

Environmental planning

Regulatory coordination

CEQA/NEPA mastery

Stakeholder engagement

Budget & scheduling

Regulatory reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Geology/Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

What are we looking for:

Woodard & Curran is seeking a Senior Project Manager with 15+ years of environmental planning and permitting experience to support a growing portfolio of water resources, infrastructure, and environmental management projects throughout California and the West Coast. This individual will be a trusted advisor to clients, leading complex environmental review and permitting efforts while managing multidisciplinary teams, agency coordination, project delivery, and business development initiatives.

What’s in it for you?

Join a collaborative and employee-owned consulting firm where you’ll have the opportunity to lead high-profile environmental planning and permitting projects, shape regulatory strategies for critical infrastructure investments, mentor emerging professionals, and contribute to strategic growth across the West Coast. You’ll work alongside industry experts while helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges that make a positive impact on communities and natural resources.

Hybrid/Remote/Office

Hybrid or Remote (West Coast Preferred)

Location:

California or West Coast Region

Travel:

20% travel throughout California and the West Coast region for client meetings, project oversight, agency coordination, business development, and team collaboration.

What you will be doing at Woodard & Curran:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by identifying environmental regulatory risks and developing strategic solutions
• Lead and manage complex CEQA (IS/MND, EIR) and NEPA (EA, EIS) environmental review and permitting projects from initiation through completion
• Develop regulatory and permitting strategies that align with client objectives and project goals
• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and key project partners
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, invoicing, and overall financial performance
• Perform technical review and QA/QC of environmental documentation, technical studies, field data, and subconsultant deliverables
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including environmental specialists, engineers, and technical subconsultants
• Support client relationship management and business development efforts for existing and prospective clients
• Lead proposal development, strategic pursuits, and marketing initiatives
• Mentor and develop junior staff, project managers, and technical professionals across distributed teams
• Monitor project progress and technical delivery to ensure client satisfaction and successful outcomes

What will you need to succeed?

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Forestry, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum 15 years of environmental planning and permitting experience supporting infrastructure, water resources, and site development projects
• Minimum 8 years of project management experience in a consulting environment
• Extensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and related California and federal environmental regulations
• Proven experience leading agency coordination, environmental review processes, and permitting efforts
• Established relationships with California and regional regulatory agencies, including RWQCB, SWRCB, CDFW, DWR, USACE, and USFWS
• Experience developing permitting schedules, cost estimates, and environmental compliance programs
• Familiarity with environmental inspection and monitoring requirements during construction
• Strong understanding of infrastructure development and construction practices that minimize environmental impacts
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Existing network of environmental and technical subconsultants throughout California and the West Coast preferred

$170,000 - $230,000 a year

The anticipated compensation range for this position is based on several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, skills, and primary work location. Final compensation will be determined based on these factors and adjusted, where applicable, by a geographic differential. Geographic differentials are percentage-based adjustments that reflect variations in labor market costs across locations. As a result, the compensation range for this position may vary depending on where the successful candidate is located and performs their work. The examples below illustrate how compensation for this role may differ across geographic markets.

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package.

For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.

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Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to the Right to Work & E-Verify postings.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility:

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

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