Environmental Planner/Permitting Specialist

Anchor QEA, LLC; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Anchor QEA, LLC is seeking a full-time Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist to support regulatory permit acquisitions for waterfront construction, dredging, and restoration projects primarily in California. You will assist project managers with permit applications, environmental studies, and coordination with engineers, GIS analysts, and clients, ensuring quality deliverables.

The role involves fieldwork, strong regulatory knowledge, and collaboration across disciplines to navigate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., environmental planning or policy).
• Minimum of three years relevant experience, preferably in consulting.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations with experience conducting ecological research or land use analysis.
• Demonstrated understanding of California permitting processes, including the relevant Acts.
• Experience conducting aquatic resource delineation surveys and applying results to impact assessments.
• California Rapid Assessment Method certification is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Completing permit applications under Section 10, 401/404, and other regulations.
• Preparing supporting documentation, analyses, and alternatives analysis processes.
• Contributing to technical reports and CEQA/NEPA studies.
• Coordinating inputs from team members to deliver complete work products.
• Participating in client meetings and addressing agency and public comments.
• Conducting fieldwork or site visits as needed (predominantly local travel).

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Project coordination

Strong communicator

Team collaboration

Fieldwork readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental planning or policy

Job description

What's the Opportunity?

Anchor QEA is seeking a full‑time Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist to support the acquisition of regulatory permits and approvals for waterfront construction and redevelopment, dredging, and restoration projects primarily located in California. You will assist project managers with completing permit applications, including developing and reviewing environmental studies, status reports, and other associated deliverables; coordinate with team members to obtain necessary inputs, such as engineering design drawings, GIS analysis or mapping, and technical editing review; and complete quality control review of work products in collaboration with project managers. This position may also require some fieldwork, primarily in the local area. You will be a key member of project teams with opportunities to continue learning and helping to solve challenging environmental problems.

Responsibilities

• Completing permit applications related to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code, the Porter‑Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the California Coastal Act, and other relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
• Completing supporting documentation and analyses, requiring review of relevant regulatory codes, preparation of compensatory mitigation plans, and documentation of alternatives analysis processes.
• Contributing to the development of technical discipline reports and studies, which may include those to support California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.
• Coordinating input from others as needed to deliver complete work products.
• Participating in client meetings and responding to agency, tribal, and public comments and questions on work products.
• Conducting fieldwork or site visits as needed (predominantly local travel).

What Are We Looking For?

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., environmental planning or policy, natural resources, etc.).
• Minimum of three years relevant experience, preferably in consulting.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations with experience conducting ecological research or land use analysis.
• Demonstrated understanding of California permitting processes, including the relevant Acts.
• Experience conducting aquatic resource delineation surveys, applying delineation results to project impact assessments, and preparing permit applications.
• California Rapid Assessment Method certification is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and multiple concurrent projects/tasks, working both in teams and independently.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, client‑service‑oriented team environment and proven ability to work across disciplines internally and externally.
• Strong professional written and verbal communication skills.

What Can You Expect?

• Highly supportive environment as part of multi‑disciplinary, collaborative teams.
• Opportunities to help shape project outcomes through impact‑focused roles.
• Strong emphasis on professional development for technical and leadership growth.
• Opportunities for client and agency interaction, helping to guide key decision makers.
• Culture of flexibility and accountability with an emphasis on work‑life balance.

Salary and Other Compensation

• Salary: $81,000–$91,000.

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA is committed to a diverse, multi‑cultural work environment. Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.