Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager

Rincon Consultants; Monterey (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager to lead CEQA and NEPA reviews for diverse California projects. You will manage small-to-moderate projects, coordinate with technical specialists, and provide guidance to junior staff while maintaining strong client relationships.

The role blends technical environmental planning and project management, with opportunities for hybrid work near Monterey, Oakland, or Sacramento.

Qualifications

• CEQA/NEPA experience and ability to draft and review documents
• Ability to manage scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills
• Experience advising clients and coordinating with agencies and multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

• Manage CEQA/NEPA documents and lead environmental reviews
• Direct project research, analysis, mitigation development, and defensible reporting
• Coordinate technical specialists and oversee QA/QC to meet schedules and budgets
• Lead agency consultations and regulatory discussions for permitting/compliance
• Prepare and present materials for agency staff, decision-makers, and stakeholders

Skills

CEQA/NEPA experience

Project management

Technical writing

Client communication

Education

BA/BS in Environmental Science

Urban/Regional Planning degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 600+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager to join our Environmental Planning team and support environmental review for a diverse range of public- and private-sector projects throughout California.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys managing the preparation of clear, defensible environmental documents, leading projects and technical assignments, and providing trusted guidance to clients. The successful candidate will manage small-to-moderate projects or components of larger efforts while remaining engaged in technical work and supporting junior staff.

How We Collaborate

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office.

Eligible office locations for this role include Monterey, Oakland, and Sacramento.

What You’ll Do

Environmental Review and Technical Work

• Manage the preparation and review of CEQA and NEPA documents, includingstreamlining and exemption documentation,Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements
• Direct project research and analysis, evaluate environmental impacts, develop mitigation measures, and clearly communicate findings in defensible documents
• Coordinate technical specialists and oversee document production and QA/QC to maintain quality and meet project schedules and budgets
• Lead agency consultations and technical or regulatory discussions supporting environmental permitting and compliance
• Prepare and present materials for agency staff, decision-making bodies, community members, and other stakeholders

Project Management and Client Support

• Manage small-to-moderate projects or components of larger efforts, including scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Serve as a trusted day-to-day advisor to clients, providing responsive communication and identifying project risks and regulatory considerations
• Direct and coordinate project team members, technical specialists, and subcontractors
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff on CEQA, NEPA, technical writing, and environmental planning practices

Business Development

• Support client outreach and proposal development by contributing CEQA and NEPA expertise, scopes, schedules, and cost estimates
  

What You’ll Bring

• B.A./B.S. in Environmental Science/ Studies, Urban/Regional Planning, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
• 5+ years of relevant environmental planning and review experience in California, with increasing responsibility for technical work, project management, and client support
• Experience managing CEQA and/or NEPA documents and independently drafting, reviewing, and synthesizing technical information
• Established knowledge of CEQA and NEPA processes and the judgment to lead technical discussions and advise clients on related regulatory and permitting requirements
• Experience managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary teams
• Sound judgment, initiative, and a practical, results-oriented approach to problem-solving
• Ability to travel occasionally as project needs require
  

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a California environmental consulting environment
• Experience leading complex or high-profile CEQA or NEPA documents
• Experience supporting projects across multiple sectors, such as transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, government, or private development
  

Investing in You

The base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000–$120,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.