Mid-level Climate Action Project Manager

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Mid-level Climate Action Project Manager

PlaceWorks / Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Ontario, Berkeley, Sacramento
Posted on: April 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Description

PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a full-time planner with specific experience in climate action and resiliency planning, to join our Planning Team. This position would be based in California and would work with other team members around the state. We are looking for an individual with 7 – 10+ years of professional planning and project management experience, specifically in climate action planning, climate adaptation/resiliency, and/or sustainability work. The ideal candidate is self-starting, outgoing, collaborative, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities and the environment through their work. An ability to lead and work with others is a must. We work in a wide array of communities throughout California, and we encourage diverse candidates from non-traditional backgrounds to apply.

Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of project principals, the project manager will guide project teams on a variety of projects and ensure their successful completion in terms of project goals, business objectives, and client satisfaction. In addition to strong organizational skills required of project managers, candidates must have a broad understanding of planning knowledge, the science of climate change, and track record of project success. Typical projects of our planning practice include climate action and adaptation plans, general and specific plans, zoning, housing policy, and transportation plans, as well as community engagement. Typical work of our climate action and resiliency services group include preparing local sustainability, climate, and energy action plans; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories; vulnerability assessments; climate action and resilience-focused General Plans and elements, adaptation and resilience strategies, and implementation programs in support of GHG reduction, adaptation, resilience, and sustainability goals.

Required Experience / Skills / Education

You’re most likely a fit if:

• You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
• You find climate action planning work fun and rewarding, and enjoy exploring how the field can better meet communities’ needs.
• You’re a self-starter who can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment, including a virtual, work from home environment when needed.
• You are exceptionally well-organized and enjoy marshalling various resources to complete complex projects.
• You have strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills and aren’t afraid to ask questions.
• You have excellent writing, formatting, and proofreading skills and are detail-oriented.
• You are comfortable and enjoy working with large reports, datasets, and spreadsheets.
• You have experience and comfort preparing and/or directing preparation of community-wide greenhouse gas inventories and climate vulnerability assessments.
• You can effectively translate and/or direct preparation of technical reports and analyses into widely-accessible reports, policies, and graphics.
• Supporting authentic engagement with diverse communities excites you, and you’re comfortable leading outreach efforts.
• You can support and be part of virtual engagement events through platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar.
• You’re able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occur on weekday nights and weekends.
• You have professional acumen to cultivate working relationships with clients, community-based organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and other firms.
• You enjoy mentoring and coaching more junior-level staff.
• Time management is second nature and you can produce final project documents and products by stated deadlines. You can work effectively on multiple projects at once.
• You’re interested in assisting with marketing, business development, and proposal efforts for planning work.
• You’re proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• You are comfortable using, and ideally are proficient with, Adobe Creative Suite and ArcGIS (preferably ArcGIS Pro).
• You have an understanding of the land use, environmental, and climate change regulatory framework applicable to local governments in California.
• You have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in urban or regional planning, or related field.

The pay range for this position is $95,000 – $160,000 per year, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.

Application Instructions

To apply, please visit our website:

When applying to this position, please attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample/design portfolio as 3 separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.