Environmental Scientist, Planning Team Lead

Stantec

. Provide technical and functional leadership for planning-related waters assignments, including aquatic resource evaluations, jurisdictional waters delineations, desktop assessments, field investigations, permitting, and environmental documentation .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSenior💰 $82,700 - $119,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in aquatic resource evaluations, jurisdictional waters delineation, and environmental permitting, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and technical leadership. Proven ability to mentor teams, manage project deliverables, and develop effective permitting strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Aquatic Resource EvaluationsJurisdictional Waters DelineationClean Water Act ComplianceTechnical Writing and EditingProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Aquatic Resource PermittingEnvironmental DocumentationRegulatory Strategy DevelopmentField InvestigationsQuality Assurance and Quality ControlTechnical Memoranda PreparationBiological Resources ReportingData EvaluationEnvironmental PlanningWetland Science

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringCommunicationOrganizational SkillsTeam Coordination

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeAdobe Acrobat

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Environmental ScienceBiologyEcologyNatural ResourcesSoil ScienceCalifornia Fish and Game CodeWaste Discharge RequirementsRiparian SystemsEnvironmental RegulationsDesktop Assessments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical and functional leadership for planning-related waters assignments, including aquatic resource evaluations, jurisdictional waters delineations, desktop assessments, field investigations, permitting, and environmental documentation
Coordinate team workloads, assignments, schedules, deliverables, resource needs, and delivery risks
Provide technical direction, coaching, mentoring, and quality-control support to junior and intermediate staff
Develop regulatory strategies for projects requiring aquatic resource approvals or consultation
Prepare and review permit applications and supporting materials associated with Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, Waste Discharge Requirements, and California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 agreements
Prepare, review, and provide quality assurance and quality control for jurisdictional waters delineation reports, Aquatic Resources Delineation Reports, technical memoranda, biological resources reports, and permit packages
Interpret federal, state, and local environmental requirements and advise project teams on regulatory pathways, risks, data needs, and next steps
Coordinate with clients, project managers, technical specialists, and regulatory agencies regarding requirements, findings, schedules, deliverables, and permitting strategies
Lead or support agency coordination and negotiations, including responses to agency comments and supplemental information requests
Review team work for technical accuracy, consistency, regulatory defensibility, completeness, and quality standards
Develop and improve team procedures, templates, quality-control tools, technical guidance, and training materials
Apply Stantec and client health, safety, security, and environmental requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, wetland science, natural resources, soil science, botany, environmental planning, or a related discipline
Minimum of five years of directly related professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience leading the technical aspects of small to medium projects or significant workstreams within larger, multidisciplinary projects
Advanced practical knowledge of aquatic resources, jurisdictional waters, wetlands, streams, riparian systems, and related environmental planning and permitting requirements
Working knowledge of the Clean Water Act, including Sections 404 and 401
Knowledge of applicable state water-quality requirements, Waste Discharge Requirements, and California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 requirements
Experience developing aquatic resource permitting strategies and preparing or reviewing permit applications and supporting technical documentation
Ability to independently evaluate complex technical and regulatory issues and recommend practical, defensible solutions
Ability to lead technical workstreams, coordinate workloads, guide teams, and deliver assignments within scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations
Experience mentoring staff, reviewing technical work, providing constructive feedback, and supporting employee development
Strong technical writing, editing, verbal communication, presentation, and organizational skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat
Must have valid driver's license and clean MVR

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible work locations, including working from home
Flexible work hours
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Wellness program
Health savings accounts
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan
Employee stock purchase program
Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Short-term/long-term disability plans
Emergency travel benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Professional membership fee coverage
Paid family leave
Ten paid holidays per calendar year
Vacation accrual of 10–20 days per year
Paid sick leave
Bonus eligibility for certain roles