Environmental Planner III

Verdantas • San Ramon, CA

4d • $98,500

About The Position

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose! At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure. Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don’t just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future. Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world. Ready to shape the future of resilient communities? We are seeking an experienced Planner III to join our Environmental Planning & Permitting team. This role is essential for supporting complex utility-sector projects, coordinating cross-disciplinary technical teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of environmental planning, permitting, and compliance. The Planner III will serve as a key point of coordination between project managers, environmental Subject Matter Experts (biology, cultural resources, environmental field specialists), and our utility clients. This position is well-suited for someone who excels in managing multiple active projects, thrives in collaborative environments, and can navigate fast-paced, technical workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, Planning, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in environmental planning, permitting, project coordination, or related environmental/utility/infrastructure work
• Deep knowledge of zoning, land‑use regulations, municipal planning processes, and development review procedures
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations, including CEQA/NEPA, ESA/CESA, and the Clean Water Act
• Experience supporting or managing complex utility, infrastructure, or environmental compliance projects
• Proficient in drafting and supporting permits with major federal, state, and regional regulatory agencies (e.g., USACE, RWQCB, CDFW, NOAA Fisheries, BLM, USFS, California Coastal Commission) and permitting pathways (e.g., 404/401 permits, LSAA, S10 permits, Coastal Development Permits)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information to interdisciplinary teams and external partners
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, and client‑relationship-building skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities
• Strong initiative with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for fieldwork or client meetings

Nice To Haves

• AICP certification is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning tasks from early site evaluation through construction support
• Coordinate with technical specialists to develop avoidance, minimization, and permitting strategies
• Prepare and manage environmental documentation, including permits, biological assessments, and compliance deliverables
• Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and permitting requirements while communicating risks to teams and clients
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permit conditions
• Lead municipal planning projects, including long-range plans, zoning updates, feasibility studies, and development reviews
• Serve as primary contact for municipal clients, providing high-level planning guidance and interpretation
• Conduct and oversee land‑use impact analyses, constraints assessments, GIS-based analyses, and QA/QC of planning and environmental documents
• Facilitate public meetings, charrettes, and stakeholder engagement processes
• Mentor junior staff and support training, proposals, and client presentations
• Collaborate across engineering, environmental, transportation, and natural resources teams to deliver integrated solutions

Benefits

• Flexible Work Environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off + Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level