Rincon Consultants, Inc

Senior Environmental Planner

Environmental Planning - San Luis Obispo, CA - Full Time

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to join our growing Environmental Planning team and lead our Healthy Communities service area. This leadership role focuses on CEQA environmental review for land use development and water infrastructure projects, while also driving business development, client management, and team leadership. 

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in CEQA, a passion for community-focused planning, and the ability to grow client relationships and mentor staff. You’ll work closely with Rincon’s Principals and Managers to shape strategy, deliver high-quality work, and expand our impact across California. 

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. The ideal candidate will be based in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Ventura, though other California locations may also be considered. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Lead the preparation, review, and approval of CEQA documents, ensuring compliance and promoting innovative, high-quality work products. 

  • Manage multidisciplinary teams of planners and analysts, providing mentorship and technical guidance. 

  • Coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate project approvals. 

  • Represent Rincon at public hearings (Planning Commission, City Council, Board of Supervisors), workshops, and consultations. 

  • Conduct QA/QC reviews of CEQA documents and reports prior to Principal-level review. 

  • Build and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to proposal development and strategic business growth. 

  • Promote a culture of collaboration, quality service, and client satisfaction. 

  • Serve as a thought leader in environmental planning, enhancing Rincon’s reputation and visibility. 

You Might Be a Great Fit If You Have: 

  • A BA/BS (or higher) in urban planning, geography, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. 

  • 10+ years of experience in environmental planning, policy, or consulting, including supervisory and client-facing roles. 

  • Proven success managing CEQA/NEPA-compliant projects and public-facing planning efforts. 

  • Strong understanding of California planning and environmental policy. 

  • Excellent writing, communication, facilitation, and proposal development skills. 

  • A track record of building client relationships and contributing to business development. 

  • Willingness to travel within California as needed. 

Rincon Consultants, Inc. 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 $108,000–$154,000, 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! 

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, 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.

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