Principal Environmental Planner

Principal Environmental Planner & Project Manager

Hybrid or Remote within California

Help Shape the Future of California's Infrastructure and Communities

At ICF, we don't just navigate environmental challenges, we help our clients solve some of the most complex infrastructure, permitting, and sustainability issues facing California and the nation. We are enthusiastic about doing what is right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, engineers, program managers, economists, communicators, and strategists united by a common purpose: delivering solutions that improve communities while protecting the environment.

As our energy, water, transportation, and infrastructure practices continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Principal Environmental Planner & Project Manager to join our California leadership team. This is an opportunity for a seasoned environmental leader to drive strategic programs, lead multidisciplinary teams, grow key client relationships, mentor future leaders, and help shape major projects from concept through construction.

If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, enjoy developing innovative solutions to complex regulatory challenges, and are passionate about advancing projects that matter, we'd love to talk with you.

Although the range below is wider to accommodate growth within the job, this position will have a starting pay range of $165,000-180,000 based on % match of qualifications/experience/responsibilities, location, and other.  

What You'll Do

As a Principal Environmental Planner & Project Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor, project leader, and technical expert for public and private sector clients across California and beyond. You will lead complex environmental planning, permitting, and compliance efforts while helping expand ICF's market presence and mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.

Leadership & Program Management

• Direct large, complex environmental planning and compliance projects across all sectors with a focus on water and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as Program Manager, Project Director, or Senior Project Manager for high-profile projects.
• Management of federal, state, and local permitting and compliance for projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] and National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA] and other regulations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with private, local, state, and federal government clients.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, scientists, economists, cultural resource specialists, biologists, environmental compliance professionals, and technologists.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, and risk while ensuring successful client outcomes.
• Foster collaboration across technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

Environmental Planning, NEPA, CEQA & Permitting

• Lead preparation and review of complex CEQA and NEPA documentation.
• Lead regulatory strategy, agency consultation, mitigation planning, and environmental risk management for complex infrastructure projects, including development of avoidance, minimization, compensatory mitigation, and compliance approaches that support efficient project delivery.
• Provide senior-level technical expertise related to environmental regulations, permitting pathways, agency consultation, and environmental review processes.
• Guide clients through federal, state, and local permitting requirements and environmental compliance obligations.
• Review technical studies addressing biological resources, cultural resources, air quality, noise, hydrology, transportation, land use, and related disciplines.

Client Leadership & Business Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for public agencies, infrastructure owners, developers, and construction and engineering partners.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through complex and high-visibility environmental review processes, including projects with significant public interest, interagency coordination, technical complexity, and schedule or permitting risk.
• Build and strengthen client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing contracts and develop new business.
• Lead proposal development, including strategy, capture planning, scopes of work, budgets, and pursuit teams.
• Help drive growth across California while contributing to national opportunities.
• Represent ICF as a thought leader at industry forums, client meetings, and professional organizations.

People Leadership

• Mentor, coach, and develop environmental professionals across multiple career stages.
• Provide technical oversight, quality reviews, and strategic guidance on complex projects.
• Help build and strengthen high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results for clients.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible environmental planning, environmental compliance, permitting, and project delivery experience.
• Experience managing complex CEQA and NEPA projects and programs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering large projects through all phases of development.
• Experience with federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, permitting processes, and agency coordination requirements.
• Client management, project management, and business development experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• Experience supporting transportation, water resources, energy, restoration, community development, or other major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with water infrastructure, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, wastewater, rail, transportation, or other major California public works programs.
• Expertise working with resource agencies, permitting authorities, and local jurisdictions.
• Experience serving as Program Manager or Project Director on large, multi-year programs.
• Existing relationships with California public agencies and infrastructure clients.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$130,687.00 - $222,169.00

California Remote Office (CA99)