Lead Environmental Specialist/Planner (QSD/QSP) (Menlo Park or Encinitas, California)

Insignia Environmental; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)-equivalent program

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Professional development programs

Job summary

Insignia Environmental is seeking a Lead Environmental Specialist/Planner in Menlo Park, California. The position involves preparing SWPPPs and conducting environmental inspections across Northern and Southern California. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years in environmental consulting, along with QSD/QSP certifications. The role offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary range of $70,000 to $95,000, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement savings plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental consulting.
• Must hold QSD and QSP certifications.
• Working knowledge of regulations like CEQA/NEPA.
• Excellent writing and technical editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare SWPPPs and conduct SWPPP inspections.
• Coordinate compliance with water quality measures.
• Manage SWPPP documentation and project changes.
• Support environmental impact analyses and deliverables.

Skills

Project management support

Environmental consulting

Client interaction

Technical review

Decision-making

Excellent communication

Technical editing

Education

Bachelor of Science degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Insignia Environmental

Insignia Environmental (Insignia) is a collaborative, fast-paced growing environmental consulting firm full of bright, motivated employees. Our services are focused on the unique needs of energy projects, including renewables, electricity, and gas. We pride ourselves on being solution-oriented and go beyond traditional environmental review and permitting to leverage innovative concepts and technology to deliver results for our clients. Our reputation in the industry precedes us, and we are extremely proud of it!

We love our employees, listen to their input, and strive to take care of them. We are constantly investing in and providing opportunities for development and growth through internal training programs and our professional development program. We frequently gather for teambuilding events to strengthen our relationships and celebrate our employees’ milestones. We value giving back to our community and hold several volunteer events for our employees every year.

In support of our goal of being the best place to work, Insignia offers a casual, flexible work environment with generous benefits, including a 401(k)-equivalent program, medical insurance (including partial coverage for significant others and dependents), and an above-industry amount of paid time off that escalates with tenure. Our canine friends are invited to “work” in the office with us!

Position Details

Insignia is seeking a Lead Environmental Specialist/Planner with Qualified SWPPP Developer and Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSD/QSP) certifications to support projects across Northern and Southern California. This is a full-time, hybrid role that includes regular travel for site visits and field inspections, with occasional overnight stays depending on project location. Applicants must be based in California. While the preferred reporting locations are our Encinitas or Menlo Park offices, we will consider candidates located elsewhere in Northern or Southern California who are not within a reasonable commuting distance. In these cases, remote work will be supported for technical and project management tasks when not in the field.

Job Description

• Prepare SWPPPs under the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Construction Permit Order 2022-0057-DWQ, including site best management practices maps.
• Conduct regular SWPPP inspections, including pre-, during-, and post-rain event assessments, and water quality sampling during storm events.
• Coordinate with project personnel, environmental inspectors, and hazardous materials specialists to ensure compliance with water quality mitigation measures.
• Manage SWPPP documentation, inspection reports, project changes, equipment logs, and spill logs.
• Develop permitting assessments, prepare permit applications, and support compliance management during project construction.
• Assist with environmental impact analyses under the California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act (CEQA/NEPA), including preparation of planning documents, environmental review documents, and resource agency permits (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404/401 and Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements).
• Support the completion of environmental deliverables in accordance with approved budgets and schedules.
• Participate in internal and client meetings related to project progress and milestones.
• Collaborate with peers and provide clients with technical advice and guidance regarding compliance with environmental regulations.
• Provide technical review and quality control of environmental assessment documents, permit application packages, technical studies, and related client deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in hydrology, earth sciences, environmental science, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in environmental consulting, with demonstrated experience in project management support and field inspection roles.
• Must hold QSD and QSP certifications.
• Additional certifications preferred, including Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, Professional Engineer, or Professional Geologist.
• Working knowledge of regulations pertaining to environmental protection, including CEQA/NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
• Previous experience participating in the management of projects, including client interaction, technical review of deliverables, schedule, and budget controls.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as confidence in dealing with clients, regulators, and team members.
• Ability to exercise informed and independent decision-making.
• Excellent writing and technical editing skills, with advanced experience in the Microsoft Office suite.

Other

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ability to travel as needed for field inspections and project meetings.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including walking/hiking in varying terrain and working in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Benefits And Compensation

• Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and location. The annualized salaried range for this position is $70,000 to $95,000.
• Insignia is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Insignia’s benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program, retirement savings plan, and bonuses.

How to Apply

Insignia is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making a difference in the environment and want to join a team that values excellence and camaraderie, we would love to hear from you!

Interested applicants should submit a resume to [e-mail] with a brief cover letter or cover email. Please include the phrase “Lead Environmental Specialist” in the subject line of your email. We request that applicants refrain from calling our office directly regarding this position.

Insignia may request, for lawful employment purposes, background information about candidates from a consumer reporting agency in connection with employment.

Insignia is an equal opportunity employer. Insignia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental or physical disability, genetic predisposition or characteristics, or any other characteristics protected by applicable state or federal civil rights law.

For additional information about working at Insignia, check out our Careers Page.