Principal Environmental Planner

POSITION OVERVIEW :

The Senior Planner will write and process NEPA, CEQA and combined environmental documents for CalTrans/FHWA, FTA, FRA and other transportation entities. Such environmental documents may include EISs, EIRs, Initial Studies, Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusions/Exceptions and Preliminary Environmental Analysis Reports. This person will anlayze and report data related to project effects, supervise, interpret and summarize technical studies performed by specialists, and may perform in-house socioeconomic, relocation, community impact, environmental justice, water quality/floodplain, or transportation planning and traffic engineering studies. Consideration will also be given to a professional with expertise in another environmental issue area such as historical, archeological, biological, air quality, or noise but only with NEPA/CEQA document preparation and processing experience. Some assignments involve the use of computer software applications.


SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Various assignments requiring strong environmental planning and data analysis expertise, but which typically include complexities such as multi-disciplinary coordination or scheduling requirements. Gathers, compiles, and analyzes data into technical reports or from technical reports for incorporation into environmental documents. Understands and improves understanding of environmental regulations and processing, including NEPA, CEQA, and the related environmental processes.

May confer with local planning or resource agency officials to discuss or obtain information related to project development.

Develops recommendations based on existing resources and sensitive receptors to inform project development. Interfaces with engineering disciplines.

May oversee coordination and planning of public involvement and consensus-building meetings and workshops.

Oversees work assignments of technicians and/or lower-level Planners.

Performs other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.


For a complete list of opportunities available at Parsons go to: www.Parsons.com
EOE/M/F/D/V. Diversity candidates are encouraged to apply.
REQUIREMENTS
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

4-year degree in Urban/Environmental Planning or related field and/or 10-15 years of experience in environmental impact assessment and documentation of highway, bridge and rail transportation projects. Demonstrated familiarity with NEPA, CEQA and related environmental processes. Knowledge of CalTrans/FHWA and/or FTA guidance and procedures for environmental studies, documentation and processing. Excellent writing and communication skills are imperative. Experience preparing Initial Studies, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Impact Reports for transportation projects is necessary.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification is required.


SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

Thorough knowledge of environmental planning practices, regulations, and procedures. Ability to collect and analyze data related to project effects on environmental resources and the existing environment. Proficiency in utilizing PC and software packages typically used in environmental planning documentation, e.g., Word, Excel, is required. Also requires excellent written and oral communication skills, and a thorough understanding of environmental regulations and processes.