SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

State of California; California; Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Flexible schedules

Paid time off

Job summary

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) seeks a Senior Environmental Planner in the Recovery Directorate to implement program objectives for Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP). The SEP will review grant projects for compliance, document findings, and contribute to mitigation strategies and policy planning with state and federal partners.

Based in Santa Ana with hybrid telework options, this role requires coordination across Recovery Operations, Hazard

Qualifications

• Experience leading environmental/hep teams
• Experience writing technical documents
• Strong knowledge of CEQA/NEPA/106 NHPA

Responsibilities

• Review pending grant awards for environmental compliance
• Conduct technical and procedural review during closeout
• Oversee training and coordinate with agencies

Job description

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

JC-533389 - Senior Environmental Planner

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

$8,678.00 - $10,783.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/26/2026

Under the general direction of the Program manager II, the Senior Environmental Planner (SEP) is responsible for the implementation of program objectives for Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) in the Recovery Directorate and CalOES. The incumbent will independently conduct technical and procedural review of pending grant awards to determine whether the proposed projects are in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, document potential audit findings, and conduct final review during closeout out with Recovery Operations, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Performs analysis and provides recommendations on methods to mitigate environmental impacts; assists in addressing complex environmental issues. Oversees Cal OES and subrecipient training and exercises discretion in providing oversight and coordination for projects or programs. Maintains liaison with other governmental agencies and the private sector, evaluates program performance and outcomes, and represents the organization in compliance negotiations, policy implementation, and strategic planning. Performs other related tasks to support the objectives and goals of the Cal OES Recovery Directorate.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Public Assistance Division I Unit in Santa Ana, CA.

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need.

DMV Pull Program: Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid Driver’s License (DL). You must answer the questions addressing your DL on your application. Ensure you provide your DL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Orange County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.

The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process. The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections — Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Recovery personnel are responsible for assisting in the management of statewide disaster recovery efforts, as well as assisting agricultural communities, businesses, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, local governments and special districts impacted by disasters.

In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.

More information may be found here: Recovery Directorate | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience leading small teams of technical experts in environmental and historic preservation
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents
• Experience with wetland delineations and biological assessments
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interactive skills
• Extensive experience with CEQA, NEPA, Section 106 of NHPA, and other State and Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation laws, regulations, and policies
• Experience working in Emergency Management, Hazard Mitigation, and/or Disaster Recovery Operations at the Local, State, and/or Federal Level
• Knowledge of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program, including eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms
• Familiarity with construction methods, building codes, and mitigation techniques to strengthen infrastructure resilience
• Proficiency in the use of various computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and be willing to learn new technological tools and to incorporate them in daily tasks
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information and express ideas in a clear, confident, and convincing manner
• Ability to offer succinct, value-added recommendations, exercise sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment
• Ability to work independently and in a cooperative team environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure to meet quick deadlines
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities

Exam & Additional Information

Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025): Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction.

Benefit Information

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:
HR Unit - BM
[phone]
[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.