Principal Ceqa Planning Lead

About the opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking aPrincipal CEQA Planning Lead(HR Title: Principal Planning Team Lead) to direct the growth and expansion of our CEQA and NEPA environmental planning team in Southern California. While affiliated with our Pasadena office, this position can be filled remotely from elsewhere in Southern California. The Principal Planning Lead will also collaborate with environmental planners throughout California and the nation. As a Principal Planning Lead, you will grow and lead this service area in the nation's largest market for environmental services. This "cornerstone" position is ideal for an experienced and ambitious person who is looking to advance their career as both an environmental practitioner and as a manager/mentor to a collaborative team that is committed to excellence. SWCA is a well-established leader in environmental consulting in California, having provided high-quality cultural and natural resources services in the region for 39 years. We are a 100% employee-owned firm, and in addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer health and wellness programs, career development progression and training, the opportunity to give back to our communities, and a flexible work environment. We are excited to meet you This is a regular, full-time, salaried position that is a career growth opportunity to join SWCA's expanding California Planning Practice. What you will accomplish What you will bring A strong interest in growing a Southern California planning practice with a significant focus on CEQA services; A history of successfully managing CEQA, NEPA, and/or planning projects of various scales and levels of complexity; Strong existing client contacts in one or more of SWCA's key client sectors (e.g., governmental planning and community development departments, public works departments, water and wastewater departments/utilities, private developers, attorneys, or energy developers and utilities); A proven track record of developing client relationships, leading to the creation of new business opportunities; A desire to work in a team environment, being inspired through always learning and advancing; and The ability to create a climate where people are motivated to bring their best work to help our employee-owned company grow and prosper What you will accomplish Technical Leadership.The Principal Planning Lead will provide technical leadership throughout the region by serving as a Senior Project Manager and/or Project Director on key projects, giving strategic input to other active projects in the region, and serving as a technical advisor to share advanced ideas for the region's projects and pursuits. The Principal Planning Lead will encourage innovation in the program and mentor staff. You will work with your team to generate process improvements and novel technical approaches. Client and Business Development Leadership.The Principal Planning Lead will direct CEQA, NEPA, and planning marketing and business development efforts. These activities will include fostering new and existing client relationships, determining which opportunities to pursue, leading proposal and interview efforts, and targeting promising markets, geographies, and sectors. The Principal Planning Lead will be supported by several senior practitioners experienced in client and business development. People Leadership.The Principal Planning Lead will hire, manage, and mentor junior and senior planning staff. Problem-solving skills are a must, including the ability to discern which issues need to be elevated and which can be resolved without assistance. The Principal Planning Lead will be nimble and adaptable and will manage the workload of the team through shifting deadlines and client expectations. As the leader of the Southern California planning team, the Principal Planning Lead will have the authority to assign and hire team members as needed to grow the environmental planning service line. This position will prioritize collaboration, the advancement and growth of the group, and the professional development of team members. Experience and qualifications for success Bachelor's degree in environmental planning or a related field. Minimum of 12 years of progressive environmental planning and project management experience, preparing CEQA documents and managing the planning process. Strong technical review skills. Experience leading client and business development efforts and proposals to secure new opportunities with new clientele. Preferred qualifications Planning experience in Southern California. SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms. EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to app