Job Details

Overview

About the job: Job Type: Full-time. RICK (formerly referred to as RICK Engineering Company) is a California-based engineering, planning, and design firm with more than 70 years in business. We are expanding our Environmental Services Division and seeking a team-oriented and motivated Director of Environmental Planning to join our team at our headquarters in San Diego, California. The role emphasizes growth of a new service area through marketing, proposal preparation, and business development, as well as project delivery. RICK provides CEQA and NEPA services to public and private sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the preparation and processing of CEQA compliance documents and related technical studies, as well as client expectations, project schedules, and budgets. Duties include document preparation; coordination with environmental planning staff, subconsultant technical specialists, and other subconsultants; budget and invoice management; and interaction with clients and reviewing agencies (county, city, CDFW, RWQCB, USACE). Proposal preparation and business development are required, and the candidate must possess experience, strong communication skills, and interest in these activities. The ideal candidate will have strong QA/QC and interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build collaborative relationships among team members, clients, subconsultants, and agencies.

Responsibilities also include business development with Southern California agencies and clients to grow a new service area at RICK and leadership of 2-5 staff members.

Responsibilities

• Manage the preparation and processing of CEQA compliance documents and related technical studies.
• Coordinate with environmental planning staff, subconsultants, and other specialists.
• Manage project budgets, invoices, schedules, and client expectations.
• Interface with clients and reviewing agencies (county, city, CDFW, RWQCB, USACE).
• Prepare proposals and participate in business development to grow a new service area in Southern California.
• Provide leadership for 2-5 staff members and foster collaborative relationships among team members, clients, subconsultants, and agencies.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in environmental studies, environmental science, environmental engineering, public planning, or a related field.
• 15 or more years of experience preferred; candidates with less experience but strong credentials will be considered.
• Strong understanding of San Diego and the broader Southern California region; established relationships with agencies or key clients are preferred.
• Experience in leading proposals and business pursuits and marketing environmental consulting services.
• Existing client relationships and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, including spelling, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Skills Preferred

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in environmental studies, environmental science, geography, natural science, environmental engineering, public planning, business, or related field.
• Experience with planning, infrastructure, development project types, CEQA/NEPA document types, and private/public sector clients.
• Extensive work experience and client relationships within Southern California.

Compensation

The approximate compensation range for this position is $155,000 to $200,000 per year. This is a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation depends on education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

RICK is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is 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, 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.