Environmental Department Leader

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose!

At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure.

Our commitment to excellence, across more than 90 offices, is championed by a team of over 2,000 experts, scientists, engineers, geologists, and technical specialists, embedded in a people-focused culture, prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. We don’t just solve problems; we help shape a more sustainable future.

Join a people-first culture that values your well-being, empowers your growth, and amplifies your impact. At Verdantas, your career goes beyond the expected, and your work helps build a better world.

Ready to shape the future of resilient communities?

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Southern California Environmental Department Leader to oversee and drive robust growth in the West region within our Environmental Assessment & Remediation group.

Our Environmental Assessment & Remediation (EAR) practice focuses on site assessment/remedial investigations and design, environmental regulatory compliance and support, feasibility studies, emerging contaminants, and property transaction due diligence for clients in industrial, power, water, and government end markets.

This role is a blend of operational leadership, creative thinking, business development/ strategic growth, and mentorship, requiring a visionary thinker with a strong technical background. This individual will enthusiastically take the reins and be proactively engaged across our multiple offices in Southern California. The Department Leader will be instrumental in growing our West region market through people development, sustainability, and client engagement. This position is on-site and located in San Diego, CA.

What You'll Do:

Senior Technical Leadership (40%):

• Lead complex technical projects and provide expert advice on regulatory compliance and environmental assessments
• Stay current with industry/emerging trends, regulations, and best practices with communication to the team
• Partner with the EAR Practice Leader to ensure consistent project delivery standards, resource alignment, and operational efficiency across active assessment and remediation projects

Operational Leadership (30%):

• Oversee daily operations of the Environmental Department, with a heavy focus on Assessment & Remediation
• Ensure high quality project delivery
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and best practices
• Monitor and report on departmental performance metrics
• Resource management between So Cal region
• Maintain strong knowledge of sales pipeline and hard backlog

Business Development (20%):

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the environmental assessment and remediation sectors
• Educate and drive cross-selling opportunities on Verdantas' diverse services (i.e. disciplines such as civil, geotechnical, and markets such as water/wastewater, solid waste, and energy)
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, stakeholders, and industry partners
• Lead proposal development and contract negotiations
• Represent Verdantas at industry conferences, seminars, and networking events

Mentorship (10%):

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and project teams
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Licensed Professional Geologist or Professional Engineer in CA
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental assessment and regulatory compliance
• Proven track record in operational management and business development in the A/E industry
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to mentor and develop junior staff
• In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and industry standards
• Ability to create, implement, and execute a strategic growth plan for all Southern California offices within the Environmental Department

Salary Range:

$210,000-$240,000

Benefits: