Community Planner (NEPA Specialist) - UMIAQ Environmental

UMIAQ Environmental is seeking a versatile Community Planner (NEPA Specialist) to join our Anchorage-based team. This role is instrumental in driving our projects forward, ranging from long-range comprehensive planning and NEPA documentation to stakeholder engagement and business development. Our ideal candidate is a proactive professional who thrives on variety - whether they are presenting to a City Council, consulting with agencies, or tracking complex project milestones. Because this role sits at the intersection of technical documentation and public interaction, exceptional communication skills are essential.

Key responsibilities include preparing and managing NEPA planning and documentation, facilitating public outreach and engagement strategies, managing agency consultations, and contributing to business growth through strategic planning.

As a subsidiary of the Ukpeavik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), UMIAQ Environmental provides expert environmental consulting across Alaska—from NEPA compliance to remote site assessments. We pride ourselves on a culture of safety, leadership, and professional growth, offering competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to our dedicated team.

Essential Functions will include:

• NEPA Leadership: Prepare, manage, and review environmental documentation to ensure full NEPA compliance across diverse project types.
• Strategic Community Planning: Lead long-range and comprehensive planning initiatives, translating complex data into actionable community goals.
• Public Engagement & Advocacy: Facilitate high-stakes community meetings and stakeholder engagement, acting as a clear and professional voice for the firm.
• Legislative Presentation: Deliver technical and project-based presentations to City Councils, Planning Commissions, and community leadership.
• Agency Liaison: Coordinate and consult with federal, state, and local agencies to navigate permitting and regulatory requirements.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Maintain rigorous project tracking and scheduling to ensure all milestones and deliverables are met on time.
• Business Development: Support company growth by cultivating client relationships and identifying strategic opportunities for new planning and environmental work.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with technical and professional staff to integrate environmental science with community planning needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth understanding of NEPA, Section 106 of the NHPA, and other applicable federal and state environmental regulations.
• Solid understanding of public participation models and the legal requirements for public noticing and agency consultation.
• Familiarity with Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs), tribal government structures, and the unique logistical challenges of working in remote Alaska.
• The ability to translate complex technical jargon into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences, from technical agency staff to local community members.
• Skill in leading public meetings, managing conflicting viewpoints, and building consensus among stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple project timelines, budgets, and sub-consultants simultaneously.
• Experience acting as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies to navigate permitting hurdles and project reviews.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in community planning, environmental consulting, or a related field.
• Ability and willingness to travel to rural and remote locations throughout Alaska, occasionally in small aircraft or via off-road transport, for up to 20% of the year.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for technical reporting and data management; advanced experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro for professional document production.
• All employees must pass Non-DOT pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading the preparation of Environmental Assessments (EAs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), or Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
• Proven track record of managing projects within the State of Alaska, including a solid understanding of the logistical and cultural nuances of working in rural and remote communities.
• Extensive experience facilitating public meetings and leading formal consultations with federal and state agencies (e.g., EPA, USACE, ADOT&PF, or SHPO).
• Experience developing or contributing significantly to comprehensive plans, land-use plans, or long-range community visioning documents.
• Experience preparing and delivering formal presentations to local government bodies, such as City Councils, Planning Commissions, or Tribal Councils.
• A history of successfully managing multiple project schedules and deliverables simultaneously in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry 30+ pounds.

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending during field and office activities.

• Manual dexterity to operate sampling equipment and handle materials.

• Adequate vision and hearing to safely perform job duties.

• Mental focus to follow detailed regulatory procedures, interpret complex data, and prepare accurate technical reports.

Working Conditions:

• Work performed in both office and field environments, including remote and rural locations.

• Exposure to varying and extreme weather conditions.

• Work at sites that may involve contaminated soils, groundwater, moving mechanical equipment, and other environmental hazards.

• Travel locally and out of state, including to remote communities, often requiring extended hours, weekends, or irregular schedules.