Lead Environmental Planner / Assistant Project Manager, Insignia Environmental

Position Overview

Salary: $75,000 to $110,000 per year

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, environmental planning, or related field

Experience Required: At least 3 years professional experience; 1+ year in Assistant Project Manager or coordination role

Description

Insignia Environmental is hiring a Lead Environmental Planner and Assistant Project Manager based in its Menlo Park or Encinitas, California offices, paying $75,000 to $110,000 per year as a full-time hybrid role.

Insignia Environmental is a collaborative, fast-growing environmental consulting firm focused on the unique needs of energy projects across renewables, electricity, and gas. The team goes beyond traditional environmental review and permitting to leverage innovative concepts and technology to deliver results for clients.

The role supports environmental planning and permitting projects for energy and infrastructure clients, coordinating projects, preparing environmental documents and permit applications, and managing communication with clients and regulatory agencies under the direction of senior staff. The work spans federal, state, and local environmental regulations and builds project management capability over time.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute environmental projects from initiation through completion under senior staff direction.
• Prepare and review environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Develop and submit regulatory permit applications including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, Endangered Species Act Sections 7 and 10, and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Apply working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations to support project compliance.
• Support communication with clients, regulators, and stakeholders with increasing responsibility over time.
• Participate in internal and client meetings related to project status, permitting strategies, and key milestones.
• Coordinate technical staff and subconsultants; support task tracking and deliverable completion.
• Conduct technical writing, editing, and review of environmental analyses, technical studies, and permit packages.
• Assist with proposal development, including contributing to scopes of work and budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, biology, ecology, environmental planning, or related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience; environmental consulting experience strongly preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in an Assistant Project Manager or similar project coordination role.
• Working knowledge of CEQA, NEPA, and other federal and state environmental regulations including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
• Experience supporting environmental permitting, environmental review, interagency coordination, and client-facing project work.
• Technical background in one or more environmental disciplines such as biology, environmental policy, or land use planning.
• Familiarity with California ecosystems, species, and regulatory environments.
• Experience supporting project teams and coordinating with technical staff or subconsultants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with professional presence in client, regulator, and team interactions.
• Proficiency preparing and reviewing technical documents with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel) and other project management software.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel when needed.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, hybrid; based out of Menlo Park headquarters or Encinitas office.
• Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program, retirement savings plan, and bonuses.
• Insignia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Compensation depends on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location.

How to Apply

Email a resume and brief cover letter or cover email to jobs@insigniaenv.com. Include the phrase “Lead Environmental Planner/Assistant Project Manager Resume” in the subject line.

Applicants should refrain from calling the office directly regarding this position. Insignia may request background information from a consumer reporting agency for lawful employment purposes.