Environmental Planner

LSA; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

LSA is seeking an Environmental Planner to join our team in California offices, including Irvine. Under the direction of a Principal or Senior Project Manager, you will prepare CEQA/NEPA documents, conduct research, and support proposal preparation for public and private projects.

Flexible schedules may allow hybrid in-office/remote work, with regular presence in an office. Occasional travel to project sites and client meetings is required, and the role emphasizes teamwork, accuracy, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–7 years of experience preparing CEQA/NEPA documents.
• Experience in a private environmental consulting firm preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong organizational and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare CEQA/NEPA documents (e.g., IS/EA, EIR) for projects.
• Conduct research and analyze data for environmental reports.
• Draft topical sections of CEQA/NEPA documents based on technical reports.
• Coordinate deliverables, QA/QC, and administrative records.
• Support proposal preparation and client communication.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Budget management

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

CEQA/NEPA knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning / Environmental Studies / Environmental Planning

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

LSA is seeking an Environmental Planner to join the team in any of its 9 California offices. Under the direction of a Principal or Senior Project Manager, the Environmental Planner will work collaboratively with colleagues and clients to prepare technical reports and environmental documentation, primarily in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (e.g., Initial Studies and Environmental Impact Reports), for both public and private projects. The Environmental Planner will also conduct research for the preparation of environmental documents; compile and analyze a project’s consistency with applicable planning policies; compile and analyze data (e.g., demographic, public utilities, and public services data); draft topical sections of CEQA and NEPA documents based on information provided in technical reports; compile and organize administrative records, project files, and quality assurance/quality control documentation; assist in document production and transmittal, including coordinating deliverables; and provide support for proposal preparation. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and possess solid decision-making, writing, and research skills; will value a culture of teamwork; and will promote quality service to LSA’s clients.

Flexible workplace schedules may be arranged and allow for potential hybrid in-office/remote opportunities, subject to supervisor discretion, but the candidate must have the ability to work from one of our offices on a regular schedule. From time to time, travel to project sites and client meetings is also required.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of 3-7 years of increasingly responsible experience with the preparation of documents that comply with CEQA and/or NEPA, as well as knowledge of other federal, State, and local environmental statutes and regulations
• Experience in a private environmental consulting firm preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, or a related field
• Advanced degree preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, scheduling, and budget management skills
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work as a member of a fast-paced team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $72,000 to $95,000 per year. The compensation offer will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

About the Organization

LSA is a diversified environmental, transportation, and community planning organization. We are recognized as innovators in the field of environmental impact assessment, and we have developed a reputation among clients and professional peers in both the public and private sectors as being thorough, innovative, and objective.

LSA's employee-owners are its most valuable resource. LSA fosters professional development and personal growth in an environment that offers opportunities for training and enrichment. LSA takes great pride in its work and looks for talented, dedicated professionals to join its team. We are always looking for energetic and enthusiastic people. If you enjoy working with clients and colleagues to plan and manage projects, we would like to hear from you.

LSA offers competitive pay, and for all eligible employees medical, dental, vision, long term disability, group life/AD&D insurance plans; vacation, sick, and holiday pay; an Employee Stock Ownership Plan; and a Profit Sharing and Savings Plan with 401k safe harbor match.

For more details about our employee benefits package please visit our Careers Page on our company website.

EOE Statement

LSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.

LSA provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. All employment decisions at LSA are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Except where required or permitted by law, employment decisions will not be influenced by an individual’s actual or perceived—or association with others of an actual or perceived—age, ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, disability (mental and physical), marital status, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, State, or local laws.