Planner Supervisor / Programmatic Lead
Rincon Consultants is seeking a Planner Supervisor / Programmatic Lead to help lead and expand our Healthy Communities service area with a primary focus on CEQA and environmental review. The Supervising Senior Planner will oversee and manage the preparation and review of programmatic California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents primarily, and secondarily project CEQA documents (as needed). This role involves leading a team of planners, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and policies.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in environmental planning, project management, and a thorough understanding of CEQA requirements. Rincon is formalizing an internal Programmatic CEQA team that specializes in providing unique CEQA programmatic strategies and documentation with the vision that Rincon will continue to grow as the leader in the industry in programmatic expertise. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to lead the team, develop innovative solutions to work products, manage and seek out various clients throughout California as part of Rincon’s overall marketing strategy, and will be positioned as an expert and leader in the field.
While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team (6-12) of CEQA programmatic planners, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of programmatic CEQA documents, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, and developing and implementing innovative approaches and solutions that enhance Rincon’s work products as leaders in the industry.
- Coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and implementation.
- Community Planning team - support Rincon’s long range planning work products – General Plans, Housing Elements, Specific Plans, Zoning Codes, Ordinances, etc..
- Sustainability team – support Climate Action Plans, Climate Resiliency plans, Safety Elements/Climate Vulnerability Assessments
- Natural Resources and Cultural Resources Team – support Rincon’s CEQA documents with biological resources and cultural/tribal expertise
- Technical Services – support Air Quality, GHG and Noise specialists on all Rincon CEQA work products (project and programmatic)
- GIS/Graphics – support through development of figures, maps and other graphics and analysis for CEQA products
- Develop mitigation and policies, implementation programs and procedures related to environmental planning and CEQA compliance.
- Conduct public meetings, workshops, and consultations to gather input and address concerns related to environmental planning projects and present at and answer questions at public hearings (Planning Commission and City Council/Board of Supervisors)
- Provide technical guidance on complex environmental planning issues and CEQA requirements.
- Prepare and present reports, review (QAQC) CEQA documents, findings, and reports prior to Principal level review and submission to the lead agency.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Health, Environmental Science, Geography, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in planning, policy, or consulting roles, including supervisory and client-facing experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing public-facing planning projects and writing CEQA/NEPA-compliant documents.
- Strong understanding of California planning and environmental policy.
- Exceptional writing, communication, facilitation, and proposal development skills.
- A proven track record of building client relationships and contributing to business development.
- Willingness to travel within California as needed.
- Experience securing and managing contracts with public agencies.
About Rincon
Rincon Consultants is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central, and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.
The base salary range for this full-time position is $115,000–$135,000, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.
Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.
Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here!
Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. 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.