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Environmental Planning Program Director – Whitebark Institute
Mammoth Lakes, CA
About the Position :
The Environmental Planning Program Director will provide strategic leadership and vision for Whitebark’s environmental planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with our mission and long-term goals. This role will lead the development of projects that enhance environmental resilience and will guide projects through environmental compliance and permitting processes. The director will cultivate partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, and work closely with community stakeholders to develop and plan projects rooted in collaboration.
This position is ideal for a forward-thinking leader who seeks to advance their career as both an environmental practitioner and a strategic leader. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental planning and project development at Whitebark.
Key Responsibilities:
• Establish and implement the strategic direction for Whitebark’s environmental planning program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and environmental planning efforts.
• Lead project design and planning efforts, ensuring projects align with regional environmental priorities.
• Lead National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) processes in close cooperation with federal, state, and local agency partners. The director will be expected to identify appropriate and strategic levels of environmental analysis, identify relevant scientific specialties, consulting partners and other technical project needs to successfully deliver projects in accordance with statutory limitations and within project budget.
• Provide strategic leadership in managing and expanding funding sources for the Environmental Planning Program, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with Whitebark’s mission.
Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Planning, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in environmental planning or a related field, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, ESA, NHPA, CWA, and others. Significant experience working within the Section 7 consultation process will be considered a plus.
• Demonstrated experience working with governmental agencies and understanding environmental regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to develop and manage complex environmental projects, balancing multiple diverse partner interests and funding sources.
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a full-time, year-round position with a salary range of $115,000 – $135,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to administrator@whitebarkinstitute.org . Applications are encouraged to be submitted before March 14, 2025.
