Noise Specialist

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. is seeking a Noise and Vibration Specialist to join our Environmental Planning Group. This role offers the chance to work on diverse CEQA and NEPA projects and grow in project management and business development. Statewide hiring, with Sacramento, Pasadena, or San Diego regions considered.

The position features a hybrid work schedule and opportunity to mentor staff while delivering noise analyses for complex projects across California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
• 4+ years of professional experience preparing noise/acoustic studies in California.
• Experience supporting CEQA environmental review and impact assessment.
• Experience conducting ambient noise monitoring 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.

Responsibilities

• Quantify construction, stationary, and mobile noise and vibration levels using models and spreadsheets.
• Conduct ambient noise and vibration measurements with professional equipment.
• Evaluate compliance with CEQA/NEPA thresholds and applicable standards.
• Develop mitigation measures and compliance strategies.
• Manage technical studies and prepare CEQA/NEPA noise analyses.
• Collaborate with clients, agencies, and internal project teams.
• Support proposal development, contracts, and BD efforts.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to technical excellence.

Skills

Proposal writing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Field measurements

Project management

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in acoustics, physics, engineering, environmental science, or related field

Tools

FHWA TNM

SoundPLAN

CadnaA

Job description

Description

Ready to make an impact on some of California's most exciting environmental projects? HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking a Noise and Vibration Specialist to join our growing Environmental Planning Group. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled Noise 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.

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Ready to make an impact on some of California's most exciting environmental projects? HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking a Noise and Vibration Specialist to join our growing Environmental Planning Group. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled Noise 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 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.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• NEPA environmental review experience.
• 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 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.

Noise; Vibration; Environmental Specialist; CEQA/NEPA

Requirements

• Experience with SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or comparable 3D noise modeling software.
• NEPA environmental review experience.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SoundPLAN, CadnaA, or comparable 3D noise modeling software.
• NEPA environmental review experience.
• 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 Description

Range of $82,000 to $105,000