CEQA Project Manager

BKF Engineers•Redwood City, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

BKF is seeking a self-driven, results-oriented Environmental Project Manager to lead projects and support the expansion of our Environmental Planning Practice in California. The CEQA Lead will be responsible for client engagement, leadership, strategic planning, staff development and business development focused in one of our key markets within the BKF Planning team. Job duties include: Working with company leadership to achieve performance goals for the Environmental Planning team to grow market share in California. In conjunction with firm leadership, reestablishing industry contacts and building relationships with existing and prospective clients to build a steady and growing pipeline and backlog. Leading environmental compliance as a project manager, overseeing CEQA/NEPA document preparation and related technical studies, and conducting environmental constraints and peer review of CEQA/NEPA documents. Experience and technical knowledge managing environmental compliance related documents for a variety of projects and clients, including land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education. Driving thought leadership and BKF name recognition by actively engaging with the Planning and Environmental Services industry in California, contributing innovative ideas, participating in industry associations, serving in a leadership role in professional organizations, presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and establishing yourself as a recognized contributor and leader. Guiding and overseeing environmental professional staff in technical, management, leadership, and client service skill sets. Ensuring the BKF Environmental Planning team in a key area excels both technically and financially by overseeing project performance and maintaining high standards in proposal and work product quality. Coordinating complex environmental projects and/or multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts. Ability to strategize the environmental compliance needs of a given project, from exemptions and exclusions to EIRs and EISs. Planning and coordinating projects and developing scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment, data analysis functions, timelines, budget, and invoicing. Serving as a technical consultant and advisor to elected officials, citizen groups, and other stakeholders related to planning policies/standards, issues, processes, procedures, zoning/rezoning issues, ordinance changes, and environmental regulations. Facilitating the public involvement process with meetings and/or presentations to bring together interested stakeholders to discuss proposed planning initiatives, assess obstacles, evaluate opposing views and interests, and determine areas of support. Coordinating the work of consultants/contractors and other professionals who are assigned to specific projects. Supervising a team. Ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive leadership roles with oversight of planning and environmental professionals.
Progressively responsible project management experience working on CEQA and NEPA projects in California and with clients for projects involving land development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education.
Proven ability and experience supervising staff.
An articulate and persuasive communicator, both one-on-one and in front of large groups.
A high energy, passionate, forward-thinking, results-oriented, team player, and resourceful leader.
Collaborative and highly skillful at building and maintaining effective working relationships throughout the organization.
Ability to effectively manage teams and communicate with clients.
Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers, and leaders.
Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driver’s record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA) projects and expand CEQA/NEPA services throughout California.
Build a project portfolio and a staff of additional qualified environmental professionals.
Achieve performance goals for the Environmental Planning team to grow market share in California.
Reestablish industry contacts and build relationships with existing and prospective clients.
Oversee CEQA/NEPA document preparation and related technical studies.
Conduct environmental constraints and peer review of CEQA/NEPA documents.
Manage environmental compliance related documents for a variety of projects and clients.
Drive thought leadership and BKF name recognition by engaging with the Planning and Environmental Services industry.
Guide and oversee environmental professional staff in technical, management, leadership, and client service skill sets.
Ensure the BKF Environmental Planning team excels both technically and financially.
Coordinate complex environmental projects and/or multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts.
Strategize the environmental compliance needs of a given project.
Plan and coordinate projects and develop scope of work and work plans.
Serve as a technical consultant and advisor to elected officials, citizen groups, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate the public involvement process with meetings and/or presentations.
Coordinate the work of consultants/contractors and other professionals.
Supervise a team.
Coach, mentor, and develop staff.