Noise and Vibration Specialist – California

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.; California; Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive benefits

Job summary

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. seeks a Noise and Vibration Specialist to support California CEQA and NEPA projects, mentoring staff and growing the practice. The role offers a hybrid schedule statewide with opportunities in Sacramento, Pasadena, or San Diego.

You will conduct measurements, model noise, develop mitigations, and prepare technical analyses while collaborating with clients and agencies. A minimum of four years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree are required.

Job description

Noise and Vibration Specialist – California

Ready to make an impact on some of California’s most exciting environmental projects? HELIX is seeking a Noise and Vibration Specialist to join our growing Environmental Planning Group. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled Noise and Vibration Specialist who wants to expand technical expertise, work on diverse CEQA and NEPA projects, and take on increasing responsibility in project management, client service, and business development. We are hiring statewide, and will consider qualified candidates in the Sacramento, Pasadena, or San Diego regions.

Why HELIX?

At HELIX, our people are the key to our success. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture where technical excellence, innovation, and professional growth are valued and encouraged. As a Noise Specialist, you’ll work alongside multidisciplinary environmental experts on meaningful projects that help shape California’s communities and infrastructure. This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with in-office collaboration at least three days per week depending on location.

Day in the Life

As a Noise Specialist, your day could include conducting field measurements, modeling traffic and construction noise, researching local ordinances, collaborating with environmental planners, developing mitigation strategies, and preparing technical analyses for CEQA and NEPA documentation. One day you may be collecting ambient noise data in the field; the next, presenting findings to clients or mentoring junior staff. Every project brings new challenges and opportunities to grow as a Noise and Vibration Specialist.

What You’ll Do

• Quantify construction, stationary, mobile noise, and vibration levels using computer models and spreadsheets.
• Conduct ambient noise and vibration measurements using professional monitoring equipment.
• Evaluate compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and CEQA significance thresholds.
• Research local ordinances, general plans, and federal guidance.
• Develop mitigation measures and compliance strategies.
• Manage technical studies and prepare CEQA/NEPA noise analyses.
• Provide noise compliance services, including monitoring and Title 24 analyses.
• Collaborate with clients, agencies, and internal project teams.
• Support proposal development, contract amendments, and business development efforts.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical excellence across the team.
• Bachelor’s degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience preparing noise/acoustic technical studies in California.
• Experience supporting CEQA environmental review and impact assessment.
• Experience conducting ambient noise monitoring (preferably with ANSI Type II noise level meters) and data analysis.
• Proficiency with FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM).
• Knowledge of California and federal noise regulations and guidance.
• Strong proposal preparation, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to travel and conduct fieldwork as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or comparable 3D noise modeling software.
• Experience providing construction noise monitoring and Title 24 compliance services.
• Background supporting transportation, rail, transit, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with FRA, FTA, CREATE, FAA AEDT, NSR, and NADR methodologies.
• Approved noise consultant status in California jurisdictions.
• Advanced degree or related professional certification.
• Established client relationships and business development experience.

Salary will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. Expected starting pay range of $82,000 to $105,000.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Job Category

Why Join Our Team?

We are a growing, employee-owned firm, we’re passionate about what we do, and we have a casual and collaborative work environment. Our employees describe us as team-oriented, caring, flexible, and driven by our standards for integrity. We recognize that each employee has individualized needs for support in the work environment and we aim to make each person’s experience the best it can be. In addition to our competitive benefits package, we offer wellness incentives, a community volunteer program, and much more.