Contract Remote Project Planner Jobs in Austin, TX

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Planner who will lead complex environmental planning projects, ensuring full compliance with CEQA/NEPA, and related regulations. This role combines strategic project management skills with technical expertise in environmental impact analysis, permitting, and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include directing multidisciplinary teams, managing budgets and schedules, and serving as the primary client liaison. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of team leadership and management of environmental planning projects with strong CEQA/NEPA-related regulatory knowledge as well as proven success in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex environmental planning projects in multiple stages of development in utility, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and/or land development sectors, ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and related federal, state, and local regulations.

• Serve as the primary client liaison: facilitate and participate in stakeholder meetings and public hearings, negotiate permitting pathways, and maintain strong agency and client relationships that advance project approvals.
• Direct preparation and review of environmental documents (IS, EIR/EIS, EA, MD, MND, CE, etc.) and related technical studies (biological, cultural, air quality, noise, traffic, hydrology, etc.).
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams including subconsultants, related project budgets, schedules, and QA/QC processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Drive business development: identify opportunities, lead proposal strategy and writing, prepare interview materials, and support account growth with environmental planning services.
• Participate in efforts to hire, mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff in environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and project management best practices.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or related field
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in environmental planning and permitting, with demonstrated expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance in an environmental consulting capacity, including at least 5 years of experience serving as a Senior Project Manager leading and directing multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale compliance projects, including project specific progress reports, change orders, invoices, and project billings, in various phases of development and geographic location regulations.
• Proven ability to author/review environmental impact analysis documentation and technical studies as well as delegate and manage deliverables with key team members and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, including California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, California Fish and Game Code, and California Coastal Act.
• Demonstrated success in business development, forecasting and client relationship management within an environmental consulting setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present at public hearings and stakeholder meetings.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented, in-office and/or remote environment by leveraging interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc)
• Ability to travel periodically (up to 25%) to GAI office locations, business development events/conferences, stakeholder events/hearings, and client meetings as needed
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Experience Qualifications:

• Masters’ degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Natural Resources Management, Geology, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as AICP, PMP, etc.
• Experience leading environmental review, planning and permitting for complex energy (renewable, oil, gas, etc.) projects in California and Arizona, or other Southwestern US states (, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah) and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.
• This remote position prefers candidates to be in California. However, candidates with extensive California project experience located in the Southwest US are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $170,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

General Characteristics

• This position is responsible for leading the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality for CEQA/NEPA compliance projects.
• Ability to demonstrate successful use of fundamental project management skills to effectively manage projects.

Minimum Years of Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of total technical experience directly related to the outlined Position Requirements, with at least 5 of those years serving as a Senior Project Manager leading and directing multidisciplinary project teams for an environmental consulting organization or similar professional services firm.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Natural Resources Management, Geology or related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred.

Teamwork and Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversight and coordination of project task deliverables, which could include involvement with subconsultant partners.
• Available to junior sta for guidance; Provides opportunities to junior sta for becoming familiar with task management and financials.
• Recruiting and retaining sta.
• Ability to develop and implement day-to-day routines for a team.
• Talent development: Develop Sta skills and empowering them as problem-solvers boosts innovation and productivity.

Project Management Responsibilities:

• Delivers scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed.
• Plans and manages proposal and projects with multiple technical disciplines

Business Development Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains successful client relationships on existing projects.
• Ability to identify bid opportunities and coordinate and develop a proposed scope, schedule, and fee for submission in competitive bidding opportunities.
• Supports senior management in contract negotiations with clients.

Communication Responsibilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with and garner support from key stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports and other business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.