Lead Utility Planner

Overview

We are ICF's Environment & Planning Division. We are passionate about doing what’s right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists. We are collaborative, curious, and committed to excellence—these are qualities we value that make us who we are and inspire us to grow.

If you perform well in a fast-paced, engaging and collaborative environment, and would like to work with a diverse team of industry professionals, we encourage you to learn more about ICF and consider applying to join our team.

The primary duties of this position are to manage the environmental compliance process (including California Environmental Quality Act CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act NEPA) and serve as a primary point of contact with local, state and federal government clients, as well as private sector clients such as California-based utilities, renewable energy developers, commercial/residential/industrial developers, and engineering companies. Project management experience on larger project/program environmental impact analyses for planning and development, renewable energy, transportation/transit, and infrastructure projects is preferred.

At a minimum, the position includes coordinating the effort of multidisciplinary teams tasked with conducting research, preparing technical documents/deliverables, maintaining a robust understanding of CEQA and NEPA, and interfacing with external clients.

This role is fully remote and supports clients throughout Northern California. A primary base within Sacramento County or the Bay Area is preferred.

• Serve as a project manager or task manager as appropriate for environmental compliance of development projects, infrastructure projects, and land use plans, overseeing the preparation of documents, reports, presentations, technical memoranda, public notices, forms, and other work products.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of CEQA and NEPA, including staying up to date on case law and providing support on complex projects in order to accurately advise clients.
• Conduct research; write proficiently; and manage multiple project schedules with competing deadlines and budget constraints.
• Interface directly with key clients and help build and maintain great relationships.
• Assist with business development and contribute in a meaningful way to bookings.
• Manage and author deliverables.
• Mentor less experienced staff.
• Strictly adhere to professional standards, including but not limited to: demonstrating consistency and reliability, timeliness in meeting project deadlines, maintaining clear and concise communication, and working responsibly on a team or independently.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in urban planning, transportation/transit planning, environmental studies, or related field.
• 8+ years of related professional work experience.
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and thrives in a team-oriented setting.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of environmental planning and related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience interfacing with external clients, members of the general public, and government officials.
• Strong analytical skills, including attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills, including ability to take and give direction, stay organized, and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to overseeing preparation of high-quality work within established budgets and schedules.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy working with internal staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).

• Experience preparing and managing high-quality CEQA and NEPA documents for federal, state and local government agencies; and/or experience preparing and managing high quality CEQA documents for utilities and private sector clients and engineering firms.
• Experience obtaining environmental permits, reviewing technical studies such as those addressing biological resources, cultural resources, air quality,…