Associate or Senior Environmental Planner

Dokken Engineering; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) + ESOP

Job summary

Dokken Engineering is seeking an Associate or Senior Environmental Planner in Irvine, CA. The role is full-time and hybrid, with a salary range of $75,000 to $130,000 per year.

You will support environmental planning through NEPA/CEQA, permits, and monitoring, collaborating across disciplines to influence infrastructure projects. The position emphasizes experience in California regulations, client coordination, and technical writing as you guide projects from planning through construction, with

Qualifications

• BA/BS in environmental studies, planning, biology, or related field.
• Associate: 5–15 years of relevant experience (CA); Senior: 10–20 years (CA).
• Experience with CEQA/NEPA, environmental permits, wildlife biology is a plus.
• Deliver complex transportation and infrastructure projects through CEQA/NEPA processes.

Responsibilities

• Progress projects through environmental processes (NEPA/CEQA approvals, permits, environmental oversight in construction).
• Collaborate with clients, regulatory authorities, team members, and subconsultants.
• Prepare environmental reports, including Caltrans-formatted NEPA studies.
• Prepare and secure regulatory permits for environmental impacts.
• Develop and implement mitigation monitoring and reporting programs.
• Visit project sites to oversee environmental compliance.
• Prepare proposals and assist in securing new projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Technical writing

Regulatory knowledge

Education

BA/BS in environmental studies/planning or related field

Job description

Associate or Senior Environmental Planner

Irvine, CA, USA·Full Time·Hybrid·$75,000 - $130,000 per year

About the Role

Our environmental team works on projects where your environmental planning and regulatory expertise directly influences resource conservation and creative infrastructure designs. We have a collaborative, multidisciplinary culture where your curiosity is encouraged, your ideas matter, and you can grow your career at the pace that suits you while making a real impact on the locations people live in, travel to, and explore.

You will have a hands-on role in the full project lifecycle, collaborating across disciplines and strategically incorporating your environmental expertise into the early planning, design, and construction aspects of the project. You’ll build lasting relationships with clients and agency staff while contributing to meaningful projects that shape communities. We empower our team members to think creatively, ask questions, and challenge the status quo—your ideas and perspective truly matter here.We also encourage active participation in professional organizations such as the American Public Works Association and California Association of Environmental Professionals. We are committed to supporting your growth, curiosity, and long-term career development.

Core Job Responsibilities:

Progress multiple projects at a time through the environmental process (NEPA/CEQA approvals, regulatory permits, and environmental oversight in construction)

Collaborate effectively with clients, regulatory authorities, environmental and engineering team members, and subconsultants

Prepare environmental technical reports, many of which are Caltrans-formatted NEPA technical studies

Prepare regulatory permit applications and secure environmental permits

Develop and implement mitigation monitoring and reporting programs

Visit construction projects to oversee compliance with environmental commitments

Prepare proposals and assist with securing new projects

Critical Traits & Abilities:

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Driven and proactive

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Curious with a desire to continuously learn

Strong attention to detail

Effective technical writing and analytical skills

Ability to work efficiently, both independently and as part of a team

Minimum of a BA or BS in environmental studies/planning, biology, or a related field

Associate position: 5–15 years of relevant experience, preferably in California

Senior position: 10–20 years of relevant experience, preferably in California

Applicants must have substantial experience with:

Federal and California environmental laws, including CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Federal Endangered Species Act, the California Fish and Game Code, and related regulations - experience with wildlife biology is a plus

Delivering complex transportation and infrastructure projects through the CEQA and NEPA processes

Preparing and securing regulatory permits for impacts to water resources

Physical Requirements:

Will sit, stand, or walk for the entire duration of a workday

Will use a telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a regular basis

Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception

Works indoors and outdoors; outdoor work may occur in remote or urban environments

Usually works near others, such as in a shared office space

Occasionally wears protective gear, such as a hard hat

Sometimes works in noisy or distracting work environments

Occasionally travels to project sites by automobile, train, and/or airplane (mostly day trips with occasional overnight travel)

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Competitive pay with bonus program

Exceptional medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with generous company match and ESOP contributions

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Dokken Engineering is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. There shall be no discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, national origin, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation, military service, or political affiliation. We are an inclusive organization that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based solely on individual merit.