HELIX is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner for our either our Pasadena or Irvine location. HELIX offers environmental, biological, landscape architecture, regulatory permitting, cultural resources, acoustical, air quality, habitat restoration, and GIS services to both the public and private sectors. Our environmental planning staff prepare CEQA/NEPA compliance and related environmental documents for a wide range of projects including federal, state, and locally funded transportation projects; private sector residential, commercial, and industrial development; water/wastewater, storm water, and energy/utilities facilities; public plans and programs; educational facilities; and military facilities. Our Environmental Planning Groups also encompass our noise and air quality/greenhouse gas (GHG) services.

Principal Environmental Planner is a senior position reporting to our Southern California Planning Division Manager, and with direct responsibility for business development, maintenance of client relationships, recruitment and mentoring of staff, and project management, working with environmental planning staff and specialists in other disciplines throughout HELIX’s Southern California offices.

The ideal candidate must possess strong project management and leadership skills, with the proven ability to complete large, complex projects within time and budget constraints.  They will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships among team members, staff, clients, and agencies.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Take on a strong leadership role in corporate business development. Build relationships with key clients. Identify, target, and develop preferred new clients with significant opportunities. Play an active role in strengthening key client relationships. Work with other HELIX groups to bring in multi-disciplinary projects. Participate in negotiation and closing of high-priority contracts.
• Work with the Southern California Planning Division Manager, Environmental Planning Discipline Leader, and Human Resources to recruit and mentor environmental planning staff.
• Manage large CEQA/NEPA compliance projects and on-call contracts and assist others in the completion of environmental documents as needed, completing high-quality work products on time and within budget, to HELIX standards, and to the satisfaction of lead agencies/HELIX clients.
• Prepare proposals/qualifications submittals and manage or participate in interviews to help the company win contracts and meet sales and profit goals.
• Successfully represent HELIX in communications, team meetings, agency hearings and networking/marketing events.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing CEQA and NEPA compliance programs and preparing high-quality CEQA and NEPA documents, including at least 5 years of experience as a CEQA/NEPA consultant.
• Strong business development experience, with existing productive client and agency relationships in Southern California.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Southern California environmental and regulatory settings, with related environmental/planning work experience within that setting.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Ability to commute to, and work from, one of HELIX’s offices in Irvine or Pasadena an average of at least two days per week, and up to five days per week if that is your preference.

Additional Qualifications Considered a Plus 

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, business, or a related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners or Certified Environmental Planner certification.
• Experience managing direct reports.

Salary

Pay will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $135,000 to $200,000 annually.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates must apply online through Paylocity with a resume and cover letter. Begin by clicking “Apply Now” below.