Principal CEQA/NEPA Project Manager

Overview

Location(s): Oakland, CaliforniaPractice/Department: CEQA/NEPAWork Environment: HybridCompensation: $190,000-$220,000 annually*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Position Overview

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

The Senior Project Manager will manage highly complex projects with significant strategic impact, broad responsibilities, and substantial interdependencies, working autonomously with no oversight serving as Principal-in-Charge on projects. This senior-level role will lead large, high-profile, multidisciplinary projects; build and maintain strong client and agency relationships; mentor staff; and drive business development and firm growth. The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for creating a culture of excellence, providing clear guidance to internal team members and subconsultants, and managing overall team performance and project financial performance. The Senior Project Manager will exhibit expertise in regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and team leadership to ensure alignment with client needs and Dudek’s strategic objectives. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

Business Development and Industry Engagement 

• Leads and reviews high-value proposals and contract negotiations and leads business development efforts. 

• Demonstrates successful client service that results in long-term client relations and cross-discipline business development. 

• Represents Dudek in professional organizations and industry conferences, including public speaking engagements.  

• Recognized as an industry leader in area of practice. 

• Identifies and pursues new market opportunities. 

 Project Management and Execution 

• Serves as Principal-in-Charge / Senior Project Manager on large-scale, complex, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring delivery within budget and scope. 

• Exercises informed, independent decision-making on project strategies, risk management, and execution. 

• Demonstrates mastery of contract negotiation, scope management, and financial forecasting. 

• Ensures high-quality technical work, in compliance with industry standards, applicable case law, and regulatory requirements 

• Ensures quality control review of all deliverables 

Client and Partner Engagement 

• Recognized leader with strong relationships across regulatory agencies and clients. 

• Leads high-stakes meetings, public hearings, and project-related events. 

• Provides strategic client advocacy in regulatory and permitting processes. 

Financial Performance and Contract Management 

• Directs and/or conducts financial tracking to proactively track budgets, track profitability, forecast potential risks, to avoid budget overruns and/or write-offs.  

• Identifies potential for scope-creep, implements strategies for adjustments, ensures communication with client, and manages contract amendments in a timely manner 

• Manages multiple large contracts, ensuring profitability and risk mitigation. 

• Prepares and/or approves invoices and ensures timely billing and budget reconciliation. 

Team Leadership and Mentorship 

• Works with other project managers and experienced staff to identify professional goals and facilitate development of managerial skills. 

• Leads market expansion and new business development initiatives. 

• Spearheads conference panels, training sessions, and thought leadership efforts. 

• Develops and refines strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or a related field.  

• 18+ years’ experience managing CEQA/NEPA projects 

• Demonstrated mastery of duties and responsibilities outlined above. 

• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent technical writing and analytical skills. 

• History of successful team management and leadership, and staff mentorship 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment. 

• Mastery of effective contract management, budgeting, and invoicing processes. 

• Thorough understanding of regulatory compliance and permitting processes and how they inform our client strategies and work products. 

• History of successful client services that results in long-term client relations and cross-discipline business development.  

• Professional and effective presentation abilities to governing bodies for public meetings and hearings.  

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, or a related field. 

• Leadership in professional organizations and industry conferences. 

Compensation: $190,000-$220,000 annually* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 

• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Connect with us! 

💼LinkedIn 

📸Instagram 

▶️YouTube 

🤝Dudek Talent Community 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.  

Compensation: 190000 to 220000 (USD)