Northern California CEQA Lead

At MNS Engineers, Inc. (MNS), we’re not just growing—we’re thriving! As a dynamic multi-service consulting firm, we specialize in planning, construction management, civil engineering, and land surveying. With nine offices statewide, we’ve been a trusted partner in the development, transportation, water resources, government services, and federal markets for over 60 years. Our success story is built on innovation, excellence, and commitment to our clients. If you’re looking to be part of a forward-thinking company that’s making a real impact, MNS is the place for you!

MNS is hiring a Northern California Environmental Practice Lead to manage Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA) projects and to expand our CEQA/NEPA services throughout Northern California.  The Northern California Environmental Practice Lead will be able to build a team of additional qualified environmental professionals. This position has the option of being remote (with the ability to be in an office when necessary), or hybrid (sharing time between one of the nine California offices and home).  

MNS Engineers is seeking a self-driven, results-oriented Northern California Environmental Practice Lead to lead the expansion of our Environmental Services Practice in Northern California. The Northern California Environmental Practice Lead will be responsible for client engagement, leadership, strategic planning, staff development and business development focused in Northern California within the MNS Planning team. Job duties include:

• Working with company leadership to achieve performance goals for the Environmental Services team to grow market share in Northern California.
• In conjunction with firm leadership, reestablishing industry contacts and building relationships  with existing and prospective clients to build a steady and growing pipeline and backlog.
• Leading environmental compliance as a project manager or technical specialist focused in Northern California, overseeing CEQA/NEPA documents and related technical studies, and conducting environmental constraints and peer review of CEQA/NEPA      documents.  
• Experience and technical knowledge managing environmental compliance related documents for a variety of projects and clients, including private development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education. 
• Driving thought leadership and MNS name recognition by actively engaging with the Planning and Environmental Services industry in Northern California, contributing innovative ideas, participating in industry associations, serving in a leadership role in professional organizations, presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and establishing yourself as a recognized      contributor and leader.
• Guiding and overseeing Northern California staff in technical, management, leadership, and client service skill sets.
• Ensuring the MNS Environmental Services team in Northern California excels both technically and financially by overseeing project performance and maintaining high standards in proposal and work product quality. 
• Coordinating complex environmental projects and/or multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts.
• Ability to strategize the environmental compliance needs of a given project, from exemptions and exclusions to EIRs and EISs. 
• Planning and coordinating projects and developing scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental      compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment, data analysis functions, timelines, budget, and invoicing.
• Serving as a technical consultant and advisor to elected officials, citizen groups, and other stakeholders related to planning policies/standards, issues, processes, procedures, zoning/rezoning issues, ordinance changes, and environmental      regulations.
• Facilitating the public involvement process with meetings and/or presentations to bring together interested stakeholders to discuss proposed planning initiatives, assess obstacles, evaluate opposing views and interests, and determine areas of      support.
• Coordinating the work of consultants/contractors and other employees who are assigned to specific projects.
• Supervising a team. Ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff. 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in progressive leadership roles with oversight of planning and environmental professionals.
• Progressively responsible project management experience working on Northern California projects and with clients for projects involving private development, municipal/local/regional government, transportation, water, energy, general plans, housing, and/or higher education.
• Must have proven ability and experience supervising staff.
• An articulate and persuasive communicator, both one-on-one and in front of large groups.
• A high energy, passionate, forward thinking, results-oriented, team player, and resourceful leader.
• Collaborative and highly skillful at building and maintaining  effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Ability to effectively manage teams and communicate with clients.
• Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers, and leaders.
• Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driver’s record are required