Senior Project Manager – Environmental Planning & Permitting (CEQA) - Pending Post
Job description
Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.
What are we looking for: Woodard & Curran is seeking a Senior Project Manager with 15+ years of environmental planning and permitting experience to support a growing portfolio of water resources, infrastructure, and environmental management projects throughout California and the West Coast. This individual will be a trusted advisor to clients, leading complex environmental review and permitting efforts while managing multidisciplinary teams, agency coordination, project delivery, and business development initiatives.What’s in it for you? Join a collaborative and employee-owned consulting firm where you'll have the opportunity to lead high-profile environmental planning and permitting projects, shape regulatory strategies for critical infrastructure investments, mentor emerging professionals, and contribute to strategic growth across the West Coast. You'll work alongside industry experts while helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges that make a positive impact on communities and natural resources.
Hybrid/Remote/Office Hybrid or Remote (West Coast Preferred)
Location: California or West Coast Region
Travel: 20% travel throughout California and the West Coast region for client meetings, project oversight, agency coordination, business development, and team collaboration.
What you will be doing at Woodard & Curran:
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by identifying environmental regulatory risks and developing strategic solutions
- Lead and manage complex CEQA (IS/MND, EIR) and NEPA (EA, EIS) environmental review and permitting projects from initiation through completion
- Develop regulatory and permitting strategies that align with client objectives and project goals
- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and key project partners
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, invoicing, and overall financial performance
- Perform technical review and QA/QC of environmental documentation, technical studies, field data, and subconsultant deliverables
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including environmental specialists, engineers, and technical subconsultants
- Support client relationship management and business development efforts for existing and prospective clients
- Lead proposal development, strategic pursuits, and marketing initiatives
- Mentor and develop junior staff, project managers, and technical professionals across distributed teams
- Monitor project progress and technical delivery to ensure client satisfaction and successful outcomes
What will you need to succeed?
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Forestry, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred)
- Minimum 15 years of environmental planning and permitting experience supporting infrastructure, water resources, and site development projects
- Minimum 8 years of project management experience in a consulting environment
- Extensive knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and related California and federal environmental regulations
- Proven experience leading agency coordination, environmental review processes, and permitting efforts
- Established relationships with California and regional regulatory agencies, including RWQCB, SWRCB, CDFW, DWR, USACE, and USFWS
- Experience developing permitting schedules, cost estimates, and environmental compliance programs
- Familiarity with environmental inspection and monitoring requirements during construction
- Strong understanding of infrastructure development and construction practices that minimize environmental impacts
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Existing network of environmental and technical subconsultants throughout California and the West Coast preferred
Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.
E-Verify Participation: Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to the Right to Work & E-Verify postings.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.
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Skills mentioned
At the heart of Woodard & Curran is a culture deeply rooted in the vision of its founders, Frank Woodard and Al Curran. Established in 1979, their simple yet powerful business concept was to create an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work, emphasizing opportunity, integrity, and commitment. They believed this environment would naturally attract talented individuals, and it did. This foundational principle continues to shape the company's identity, where experts in their fields are passionate about their work, demonstrating a level of dedication and integrity that drives exceptional results for clients. The company's mission underscores this commitment: 'To develop and perpetuate a safe, enjoyable, gratifying, and fulfilling place to work with the important objectives of growth, freedom, challenge, recognition, and reward.' This focus on its people is paramount, recognizing that the firm's success is inextricably linked to the strength and talent of its employees. Woodard & Curran's values are the bedrock of its operations and interactions. 'Putting People First' is not just a slogan but a core tenet, ensuring the wellbeing of employees is the top priority. 'Operating with Integrity' means the company stands by its principles, valuing character above the bottom line. 'Cultivating Autonomy' empowers employees to think creatively, act on their convictions, and take responsibility. The value of 'Working as One Team' fosters collaboration across the organization, encouraging learning from one another to find the best solutions. Finally, 'Acting Like Owners' instills a sense of pride in their work and a vested interest in the company's sustainable future. These values guide every endeavor, from internal collaborations to client engagements and community involvement, ensuring that the protection of the environment is held in superior regard. This cultural narrative drives Woodard & Curran's vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people, making a tangible difference for their clients and the planet.
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