Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager

Socket.dev; Monterey (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants seeks a Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager to lead environmental review for diverse California projects. You will manage studies, mentor staff, and coordinate with clients and agencies while ensuring high-quality CEQA/NEPA deliverables.

You will oversee small‑to‑moderate projects, lead technical discussions, and contribute to business development with project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates. Hybrid work options are available across several California offices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of environmental planning/review experience in California with increasing responsibility.
• Experience managing CEQA/NEPA documents and drafting/synthesizing technical information.
• Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead CEQA/NEPA documentation and related studies with defendable conclusions.
• Manage small-to-moderate projects, scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate specialists and oversee QA/QC and client communication.
• Guide junior staff on CEQA/NEPA practices and project workflows.
• Support business development with CEQA/NEPA expertise and estimates.

Skills

CEQA/NEPA expertise

Project management

Technical writing

Client liaison

Team mentorship

Regulatory compliance

Public speaking

Travel flexibility

Education

B.A./B.S. in Environmental Science or Planning

Advanced degree a plus

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.

Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.