Principal Environmental Planner - Northern California

Principal Environmental Planner - Northern California

Full-Time

CA - Placer County, CA - Sacramento County, Northern California

HELIX is seeking a Principal Environmental Planner for our team in Northern California. 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.

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 Day in the Life

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.

As a Principal Planner, you will:

• 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

Minimum 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

Preferred Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in a related field
• AICP or Certified Environmental Planner certification
• Experience managing direct reports

Salary

Pay will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $145,000 to $195,000 annually.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates must apply online through Paylocity with a resume and cover letter. Begin by clicking "Apply Now" below.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Job Features

Job Category

Environmental Planning

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Why Join Our Team?

We are a growing, employee-owned firm, we're passionate about what we do, and we have a casual and collaborative work environment. Our employees describe us as team-oriented, caring, flexible, and driven by our standards for integrity. We recognize that each employee has individualized needs for support in the work environment and we aim to make each person's experience the best it can be. In addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer wellness incentives, a community volunteer program, and much more.

We are excited to meet you!

Learn more about life at HELIX