Principal Planner
About The Position
Step into a leadership role where strategy, influence, and environmental impact intersect. As a Principal Planner, you’ll shape the future of environmental planning across Northern California while helping grow a respected, employee-owned consulting firm. This Principal Planner role is ideal for a seasoned leader ready to drive business development, mentor high-performing teams, and deliver complex CEQA/NEPA projects with excellence. At HELIX Environmental Planning, we’re passionate about smart growth, environmental stewardship, and collaborative problem-solving. As a Principal Planner, you’ll join a mission-driven, employee-owned firm known for technical excellence and a supportive, people-first culture. This Principal Planner position offers a hybrid schedule, with a preference for working from our Folsom or Roseville office at least two days per week - more if you prefer! We value flexibility, trust, and long-term career growth. A typical day as a Principal Planner includes leading high-visibility CEQA/NEPA projects, connecting with key clients and agencies, mentoring planners and specialists, and collaborating across HELIX disciplines. You’ll represent HELIX in meetings, interviews, and industry events while playing a strategic role in expanding our Northern California Environmental Planning Group.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, or related field
- 10+ years managing CEQA/NEPA programs, including 5+ years as a CEQA/NEPA consultant
- Proven business development experience with active Northern/Central California client relationships
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills
- Experience managing large, multidisciplinary projects
- Ability to work from a HELIX office in Folsom or Roseville at least two days per week
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or higher in a related field
- AICP or Certified Environmental Planner certification
- Experience managing direct reports
Responsibilities
- Lead corporate and regional business development initiatives
- Build and strengthen long-term client and agency relationships
- Identify and pursue new contract opportunities and preferred clients
- Manage large, complex CEQA/NEPA compliance projects and on-call contracts
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to HELIX standards
- Prepare proposals and participate in interviews to win new work
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across HELIX offices
- Represent HELIX at public meetings, hearings, and professional events
- Mentor, recruit, and develop environmental planning staff
Benefits
- robust benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
