Senior Environmental Planner

Job Summary

WRA’s environmental planning team prepares environmental documents that enable projects in a variety of markets such as development, habitat restoration, renewable energy, public infrastructure, climate resiliency, and community access to move forward responsibly. We are seeking a seasoned Environmental Planner with strong technical expertise in CEQA and NEPA who brings a proven track record managing projects in restoration, parks and open space, renewable energy (especially solar), and water infrastructure.

This individual’s qualifications and experience will be central to helping WRA win the kind of work we want to grow—projects that improve ecological health, strengthen community resiliency, and create sustainable solutions for the future.

This role may be remote within the state of California.

Key Areas of Impact

Project Management and Execution

• Manage and lead environmental planning and permitting projects with a focus on habitat restoration, parks/open space, renewable energy, and water resources.
• Write and oversee the preparation of complex CEQA / NEPA documents including EIR/EIS, Subsequent, Supplemental, and Addendum documents, CEs, and IS/MNDs.
• Partner with team leaders and project delivery staff to deliver high-quality results on schedule and budget.
• Manage client and regulatory agency relationships and leverage existing client/agency relationships for the firm

CEQA/NEPA Technical Leadership

• Provide subject-matter expertise and guidance on CEQA/NEPA compliance, especially for restoration, solar, water, and park/open space projects.
• Mentor and train junior staff while ensuring technical excellence in work products.
• Represent clients in public hearings and agency decision-making forums with professionalism and authority.

Business Development

• Leverage your qualifications and project experience to help WRA compete for and secure projects in restoration, renewable energy, water, and parks/open space sectors.
• Support proposal development and thought leadership through publications, presentations, and networking.
• Contribute to the growth and diversification of WRA’s environmental planning practice.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental studies, planning, science, or related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant experience preparing CEQA and NEPA documents, with clear progression in responsibility and complexity of projects.
• Demonstrated project management experience in restoration ecology, park/open space planning, renewable energy (especially solar), or water infrastructure.
• A solid understanding of current planning law and practice.
• Proven ability to manage clients, build strong relationships, and contribute to winning new work.
• Strong track record of managing budgets and schedules effectively.
• Background in biology, ecology, or environmental science is a plus.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to a culture of technical excellence.

Location & Compensation

The position is open to candidates located anywhere in California, with preference for Northern California. Work can be performed from any of WRA’s Bay Area offices (San Rafael, Emeryville, or Petaluma), remotely, or in a hybrid arrangement. Occasional travel is required for site visits, meetings, and hearings.

Salary range: $116,000 – $153,000 depending on experience and level (L5–L6). Final leveling and title (Environmental Planner vs. Senior Environmental Planner) will be determined during the interview process.

Who We Are

WRA is an employee-owned environmental consultancy with four decades of expertise. Our clients and partners hire us to deliver challenging projects that balance environmental stewardship with community needs. From wildlands and parks to water systems and renewable energy infrastructure, we help projects move forward responsibly.

As a company, we invest in systems, processes, and programs that support our people, while fostering an ownership mindset that encourages accountability and independence. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and we believe that by creating a supportive workplace, our staff can bring their best selves to work and make meaningful contributions to the communities and environments we serve.

WRA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.