Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager

Insignia is seeking a highly experienced Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of complex environmental planning and permitting for energy projects. This senior-level position involves managing multidisciplinary teams, directing the preparation of environmental documents and regulatory permit applications, and serving as a primary liaison with clients and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise; strategic leadership; and a deep understanding of environmental compliance under federal, state, and local regulations. This is a full-time, hybrid role that is based out of Insignia’s Encinitas office.

Responsibilities

• Manage the routing, siting, permitting, and/or environmental compliance aspects of energy projects.
• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary environmental projects from initiation through completion.
• Oversee preparation and technical review of environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Manage the development and submission of regulatory permit applications, including Clean Water Act (Sections 404 and 401), Endangered Species Act (Sections 7 and 10), and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Apply expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to guide project strategy and ensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulators, and stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Lead internal and client meetings related to project status, permitting strategies, and key milestones.
• Assign, oversee, and manage technical staff and subconsultants while providing guidance and performance feedback.
• Ensure environmental deliverables meet project requirements, agency expectations, and Insignia’s quality standards within budget and schedule constraints.
• Conduct technical writing, editing, and review of environmental analyses, technical studies, and permit packages.
• Support proposal development and business development efforts by contributing to scopes of work, budgets, and client outreach.
• Maintain and advance professional knowledge through training, conferences, and industry engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in a similar role, with experience in environmental consulting strongly preferred, and at least 5 years in a senior-level planner or project manager position.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the CEQA, NEPA, and other relevant federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Proven ability to manage complex regulatory projects involving environmental permitting, environmental review, interagency coordination, and client engagement.
• Technical expertise in one or more environmental disciplines, such as biology fields (e.g., botany, wildlife, wetlands), environmental policy, or land use planning.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems, species, and regulatory environments.
• Experience leading and mentoring teams of scientists or technical professionals, including supervision and workload coordination.
• Strong record of delivering high-quality work within scope, budget, and schedule across multiple concurrent projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Confidence and professionalism in interactions with clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical documents with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to make informed, independent decisions and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.