Nepa Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location(s): Pasadena or Santa Barbara
Practice/Department: CEQA/NEPA
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $110,000-$160,000 annually*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

Dudek is seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead medium to large-scale environmental planning projects with a focus on CEQA and NEPA compliance. In this role, you will manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams while serving as a trusted partner to public and private sector clients. You will provide technical leadership on environmental review efforts, mentor staff, support business development initiatives, and deliver high-quality solutions that help clients achieve their project goals. This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative environmental planning professional who is passionate about managing impactful projects and building strong client relationships.

This hybrid role will be tied to our Pasadena or Santa Barbara offices.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Project Management and Execution

• Manage CEQA and NEPA projects from initiation through completion, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and deliverables.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate technical staff and subconsultants to achieve project objectives.
• Oversee preparation and quality review of environmental documents, technical reports, and client deliverables.
• Monitor project performance, proactively managing risks, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.

Client and Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with public and private sector clients, agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Serve as a key client contact, facilitating meetings, presentations, public hearings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Collaborate across Dudek disciplines to deliver integrated solutions and exceptional client service.

Financial Performance and Contract Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and contract requirements to support profitable project delivery.
• Identify and coordinate scope changes and contract amendments as needed.
• Review project financial performance and support timely invoicing and reporting.

Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and support the professional development of environmental planning staff.
• Provide technical guidance, project direction, and constructive feedback to team members.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on quality and client success.

Technical and Regulatory Expertise

• Provide technical leadership in environmental planning, impact assessment, and CEQA/NEPA compliance.
• Ensure deliverables meet regulatory requirements, client expectations, and Dudek quality standards.
• Stay current on environmental regulations, industry trends, and best practices.

Business Development and Industry Engagement

• Support business development efforts through client relationships, proposal support, and identification of new opportunities.
• Represent Dudek through professional organizations, industry events, and community engagement.
• Collaborate with leadership and project teams to support strategic growth initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or a closely related field.
• 12 or more years of professional experience in environmental planning, environmental impact assessment, and CEQA and/or NEPA document preparation.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental planning projects, including oversight of contracts, budgets, schedules, technical staff, and subconsultants.
• Strong knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance processes.
• Excellent communication, organization, project management, technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required for project and client needs.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Extensive experience managing projects with a focus on natural resources and environmental compliance.
• Experience working with public agencies, private-sector clients, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Demonstrated success developing and maintaining client relationships and supporting business development efforts.
• Experience facilitating public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and presentations before public boards, commissions, and decision-making bodies.
• Proven ability to mentor staff and lead project teams in a collaborative environment.
• Active participation in professional organizations, industry associations, or conference presentations.

Compensation: $110,000-$160,000 annually* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 

• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

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