Principal Planner

Principal Planner

Step into a leadership role where strategy, influence, and environmental impact intersect. As a Principal Planner, you'll shape the future of environmental planning across Northern California while helping grow a respected, employee-owned consulting firm. This PrincipalPlanner role is ideal for a seasoned leader ready to drive business development, mentor high-performing teams, and deliver complex CEQA/NEPA projects with excellence.

At HELIX Environmental Planning, we're passionate about smart growth, environmental stewardship, and collaborative problem-solving. As a Principal Planner, you'll join a mission-driven, employee-owned firm known for technical excellence and a supportive, people-first culture. This Principal Planner position offers a hybrid schedule, with a preference for working from our Folsom or Roseville office at least two days per week - more if you prefer! We value flexibility, trust, and long-term career growth.

A typical day as a Principal Planner includes leading high-visibility CEQA/NEPA projects, connecting with key clients and agencies, mentoring planners and specialists, and collaborating across HELIX disciplines. You'll represent HELIX in meetings, interviews, and industry events while playing a strategic role in expanding our Northern California Environmental Planning Group.

As a Principal Planner, you will:

• Lead corporate and regional business development initiatives
• Build and strengthen long-term client and agency relationships
• Identify and pursue new contract opportunities and preferred clients
• Manage large, complex CEQA/NEPA compliance projects and on-call contracts
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to HELIX standards
• Prepare proposals and participate in interviews to win new work
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across HELIX offices
• Represent HELIX at public meetings, hearings, and professional events
• Mentor, recruit, and develop environmental planning staff

Salary will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $145,000 to $195,000.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, or related field
• 10+ years managing CEQA/NEPA programs, including 5+ years as a CEQA/NEPA consultant
• Proven business development experience with active Northern/Central California client relationships
• Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills
• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary projects
• Ability to work from a HELIX office in Folsom or Roseville at least two days per week

Preferred Requirements:

• Master's degree or higher in a related field
• AICP or Certified Environmental Planner certification
• Experience managing direct reports