CEQA Project Manager

AECOM; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a CEQA Project Manager in San Diego, CA to oversee CEQA compliance for School District capital projects. You will act as the district's CEQA subject-matter expert, ensuring environmental review is integrated into project management and coordinated with the legal team.

You will lead the preparation and review of CEQA documents, coordinate with consultants, and ensure findings are defensible and well-documented through Board agendas and agency processes.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of CEQA regulations, compliance, and technical documents.
• Ability to manage CEQA projects end-to-end and coordinate with consultants.

Responsibilities

• CEQA Compliance and Environmental Review for district projects.
• Lead Agency CEQA project management for all District projects.
• Prepare and review CEQA documents like EIRs, ND/NDs, and MOUs.
• Coordinate with consultants, attorneys, and district staff.
• Ensure CEQA findings are legally defensible and properly documented.

Skills

CEQA Knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree with CEQA experience

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM has an exciting opportunity for a CEQA Project Manager in San Diego, CA to manage and oversee compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for School District capital improvement and facilities projects. This role serves as the District's subject-matter expert for environmental review, ensuring projects are planned, reviewed, documented, and approved in accordance with CEQA statutes, guidelines, and case law. The position integrates CEQA compliance into overall project management, coordinates consultants and agencies, supports decision-makers through defensible environmental documentation, and will work closely with the District's Legal Department for compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• CEQA Compliance and Environmental Review
• Understand and implement District's CEQA Handbook
• Serve as the Lead Agency CEQA project manager for all District projects
• Determine whether proposed activities constitute a 'project' under CEQA and identify the appropriate level of environmental review.
• Evaluate applicability of statutory and categorical exemptions and prepare Notices of Exemption (NOEs).
• Direct preparation and review of Initial Studies, Negative Declarations (NDs), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), and subsequent CEQA documents.
• Apply the fair argument standard and substantial and substantial evidence test to determine environmental significance.
• Assist various departments in preparing CEQA compliance documents and integrating findings into Board Item Agendas.
• Filing of CEQA determinations with the County of San Diego Clerk Recorder.
• Program EIR and Tiering
• Administer and implement tiering from the District's Program EIR (PEIR).
• Prepare and oversee Findings of Consistency, Addenda, Supplemental EIRs, Subsequent EIRs, and Subsequent MNDs as appropriate.
• Evaluate whether projects fall within the scope of previously certified CEQA documents under CEQA Guidelines §15162 and §15168.
• Consultant and Project Coordination
• Procure, manage, and coordinate CEQA consultants and technical specialist for mitigation monitoring (Tribal, Archeological, Paleontological, Biological, etc.).
• Integrate CEQA schedules with overall project timelines and Board approval milestones.
• Ensure early involvement of environmental analysis in project planning and design to avoid or reduce impacts.
• Review and process technical consultant proposals, contract NTPs, and invoicing.
• Mitigation and Monitoring
• Develop and implement Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs).
• Ensure mitigation measures are incorporated into project design, construction, and operations.
• Track compliance with adopted mitigation measures through project completion.
• Coordination with contractors, construction managers, and project managers to ensure District complies with mitigation requirements, including field monitoring activities.
• Public Process and Agency Coordination
• Coordinate CEQA public noticing, circulation, and comment response processes.
• Organize and participate in public meetings, scoping meetings, and hearings as required.
• Coordinate with Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, and local jurisdictions.
• Administrative Record and Legal Defensibility
• Maintain complete and well-documented CEQA administrative records.
• Ensure CEQA findings, statements of overriding considerations, and determinations are legally defensible.
• Support legal counsel in responding to CEQA challenges or litigation.
• Advisory and Training Role
• Advise District staff, leadership, and the Board on CEQA requirements and risks.
• Provide guidance and training to project managers and departments on CEQA processes and compliance.
• Serve as the internal point of contact for CEQA interpretation and best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental project management or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of CEQA regulations, compliance, and technical document.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not available for this position

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $118000 to $125000.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10159867

Business Line: PPM

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: West

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: On-Site

Compensation: USD 118000 - USD 125000 - yearly