Director of Environmental Planning

Director of Environmental Planning (CEQA/NEPA)

Company Name: Michael Baker International
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Project Focus: Environmental Planning, Transportation Infrastructure, Public Sector Programs, Regulatory Compliance, Community Development, Environmental Impact Analysis
Work Setting: Hybrid (Los Angeles / Long Beach Offices)
Salary: $210,000 – $275,000 (Based on Experience) Bonus Potential & Full Benefits
Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Position Overview

This is a premier leadership opportunity for an accomplished environmental planning professional to shape the future of infrastructure, transportation, and community development projects throughout Southern California. As Director of Environmental Planning, you will lead high-profile CEQA and NEPA initiatives, drive strategic business growth, and serve as a trusted advisor to public agencies, stakeholders, and project teams navigating complex environmental approval processes.

This role combines executive leadership, business development, project delivery oversight, and technical expertise within one of the nation's most respected engineering and consulting organizations. The firm has built an 85-year legacy of solving complex infrastructure challenges through innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. As part of a multidisciplinary national platform, you'll have the resources, support, and visibility to influence major projects while expanding your professional impact across the California market.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee environmental planning programs involving CEQA, NEPA, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership throughout environmental review and project approval processes
• Develop and execute business development strategies targeting public agencies, transportation clients, and key stakeholders throughout the Los Angeles region
• Build and strengthen relationships with municipal agencies, transportation authorities, regulatory agencies, and community organizations
• Lead proposal development, marketing initiatives, interviews, and client presentations to secure new work
• Manage and mentor a team of approximately 10–15 environmental planning professionals
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams across environmental, engineering, planning, and technical disciplines
• Serve as a key representative at public hearings, stakeholder meetings, community outreach events, and industry conferences
• Guide project execution to ensure quality, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction objectives are achieved
• Identify market opportunities and develop strategies to support long-term growth initiatives
• Foster collaboration between local offices and national practice leaders to maximize project delivery capabilities
• Support strategic planning efforts and contribute to regional business leadership initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Biology, Ecology, Urban Planning, or related field
• 15 years of progressive environmental planning experience preferred
• Extensive knowledge of CEQA and NEPA regulations, environmental review processes, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental planning projects from initiation through regulatory approval
• Proven business development and client relationship management experience
• Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, agencies, and community groups
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel throughout Los Angeles County for meetings, outreach, project support, and public hearings

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with Los Angeles-area public agencies, transportation authorities, and regulatory organizations
• Experience leading environmental planning programs for transportation, infrastructure, or public-sector projects
• Proven success winning and managing large-scale environmental planning contracts
• Experience leading public engagement and community outreach initiatives
• Advanced degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Public Policy, or related discipline
• Professional certifications related to environmental planning, project management, or sustainability

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, planning, environmental, architecture, and program management services with more than 85 years of experience delivering innovative solutions for complex infrastructure challenges. With over 100 offices nationwide, the firm serves transportation, aviation, rail, transit, water, environmental, federal, and commercial markets. Michael Baker is recognized for its commitment to technical excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and improving quality of life through resilient and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of Michael Baker International. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

Keywords

Environmental Planning, CEQA, NEPA, Environmental Impact Reports, Transportation Planning, Regulatory Compliance, Public Agencies, Environmental Permitting, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Outreach, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Review, Project Management, Business Development, Environmental Consulting, Land Use Planning, California Environmental Law, Environmental Leadership, Los Angeles Environmental Planning Jobs, Strategic Growth Leadership

Salary : $210,000 - $275,000