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Environmental/CEQA Planner
PlaceWorks / Santa Ana, CA
Posted on: January 11, 2019
Application Deadline: Open until Filled
Job Description
PlaceWorks is seeking full-time, entry to mid-level Planners to become part of the Environmental Team in our Santa Ana Office. We are seeking individuals with approximately 1 – 6 years of professional experience in environmental planning, environmental analysis, and/or CEQA compliance; mid-level candidates must have at least 3 years’ experience preparing CEQA/NEPA documents as well as project management experience with CEQA projects. The ideal candidate has excellent writing and critical thinking skills and is passionate, creative, energetic, and deeply committed to the environmental services profession, and is engaged in using their skills for the betterment of communities and the environment. This position assists with researching, technical writing, and processing environmental documents to comply with CEQA and NEPA, project administration/management, and supporting project teams in all aspects of providing environmental consulting services to our clients. Our environmental planning practice encompasses a variety of private and public sector project work including environmental review of: general and specific plans, schools, parks, mixed-use development, commercial centers, and infrastructure projects.
For all candidates, this position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Researching, compiling data, reviewing, analyzing, and writing documents related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Processing data and writing impact analysis for initial studies and environmental impact reports (EIRs).
- Applying planning knowledge to produce documents, coordinate presentation materials, write proposals and reports, and conduct research related to the project.
- Writing, formatting, and proof-reading sections of proposals, statements of qualifications, marketing material, and project documents.
- Performing site visits as needed.
- Preparing meeting materials, assembling and setting up outreach supplies, taking notes, and facilitating small group discussions at community meetings (these meetings may occur on weekday nights and weekends).
For mid-level candidates (3+ years’ experience), this position’s responsibilities also include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinating most aspects of project management for CEQA/NEPA projects of all sizes, with some oversight. Examples include, but are not limited to: proposal writing, staff and sub-consultant coordination, staff oversight, scheduling, budget control, contract review, status reports, client interaction, quality control, and community outreach.
- Preparing technically sound and legally defensible analyses and environmental impact assessment documentation, including technical writing, analysis, review, and quality control, in compliance with CEQA and NEPA.
- Public speaking; attending meetings, public hearings, and interviews with Principal or other senior staff member.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, including public and private sector clients, community organizations, and other firms.
- Assisting with and actively participating in marketing and business development efforts for planning work throughout California.
- May train and guide junior staff members in project management and technical skills.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
The ideal candidate will possess the following key qualifications:
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree in urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; land use or environmental law; or related field. Master’s degree in related field is strongly preferred.
- For entry-level candidates: 1 – 3 years’ experience in environmental planning, environmental analysis, and/or CEQA compliance.
- For mid-level candidates: 3 – 6 years’ experience preparing CEQA/NEPA documents and project management experience with CEQA projects, preferably in an environmental consulting firm. Strong knowledge of, and experience with, CEQA and NEPA compliance and latest changes to CEQA Guidelines and legislation.
- Outstanding technical writing, research, and analytical skills, with a high attention to detail.
- Strong verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presenting abilities.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task with project work and meet stated deadlines.
- Able to work independently and in a highly collaborative environment with other team members.
- Have a current and valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and acceptable MVR.
Application Instructions
To Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample as a single PDF (no greater than 10MB) with the email subject line, “Santa Ana: Environmental/CEQA Planner” to [email protected].
About PlaceWorks
PlaceWorks is a California based multi-disciplinary firm of planning, design, and environmental services professionals. Our expertise and services span a broad range of practices including: city planning, urban design, landscape architecture, environmental review, GIS, and community participation. We have a strong commitment to sustainable planning and design and to improving and empowering underserved urban and rural communities and the natural environment. Our work is driven by environmental stewardship and meaningful public participation in the planning and design process. Learn more about the work we do and how we do it at: www.placeworks.com.
Benefits & Perks
PlaceWorks offers employees interesting and diverse project work; training, professional development, and career growth opportunities; work-life balance; and, the chance to work amongst industry leaders, practice area founders, and friendly, supportive, and dedicated colleagues. We offer a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a casual and collaborative work environment.
The more significant benefits we currently offer to our full-time employees include:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long Term Care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare FSA & Dependent Care FSA)
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching Contribution
• We also provide Paid Time-Off (PTO) accrual, company-paid holidays, a training budget, and other professional development benefits
PlaceWorks is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at PlaceWorks are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status covered by applicable federal, state, or local law.
