Environmental Planner (CEQA/NEPA Specialist)

CDM Smith

Irvine, CA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Air Quality, Analysis Skills, Aviation Industry, Background Investigation, Civil Engineering, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Documentation, Environmental Impact, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Research, Federal Laws and Regulations, Government Regulations, Land Use, Leadership, Legal, Mentoring, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Improvement, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, Software Engineering, State Laws and Regulations, Statutory Laws, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Technical Strategy, Technical Writing, Urban Planning, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Irvine, CA

POSTED

12 days ago

**Company Overview** Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith) **Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.** Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world. **Job Description** Drive Meaningful Environmental Change Through Impactful Projects With a high degree of autonomy, you will lead the collection, synthesis, and analysis of complex environmental data to support critical impact assessments under CEQA and NEPA—helping shape responsible development across diverse projects. You’ll tackle analyses ranging from foundational to highly complex, contributing to environmental documents, technical studies, and strategic plans that influence real-world outcomes. As a trusted expert, you’ll review and elevate the work of junior staff and subconsultants, ensuring high-quality, actionable deliverables. In this role, you’ll get out in the field and into the data, overseeing or conducting investigations, surveys, and research to evaluate the environmental footprint of proposed land use and infrastructure projects. You’ll work closely with engineers, designers, and clients, solving complex challenges and driving innovative, compliant solutions. You’ll play a key role in navigating environmental regulations, reviewing land use plans for alignment with local, state, and federal laws—and helping teams proactively address compliance risks. As a core contributor, you’ll create and shape CEQA/NEPA documentation, including EIRs, EISs, Environmental Assessments, technical appendices, and categorical exemptions—turning technical insights into clear, compelling reports that guide decision-making. Beyond technical work, you’ll engage with communities and stakeholders, supporting public outreach efforts through presentations, workshops, and informational materials that bring projects to life. You’ll also: Partner with project leadership to manage workflow, quality, and deliverables Mentor and develop junior staff, building the next generation of environmental professionals Collaborate on proposals and client pursuits, helping win impactful work Advise clients directly on their evolving CEQA/NEPA compliance needs This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll blend science, policy, and strategy—making a tangible impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. **Qualifications** Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. AICP, PTP, PE, CEP or approved certification in a related field. Or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. 7 years of related experience with bachelors degree or 6 years of experience with Masters degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. **Preferred Qualifications** *Expertise in writing CEQA and NEPA documents for a variety of agencies and project types and sizes. *Transit and Aviation CEQA/NEPA experience. \#LI-MS1 \#LI-HYBRID **Skills & Abilities** *Expert knowledge of principles and methods for completing environmental impact assessments of land use and infrastructure projects and regulatory programs in compliance with CEQA and NEPA. *Expert knowledge of laws, legal codes, court precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the public involvement process. *Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, such as models used to evaluate impacts to air quality, transportation, and noise. *Excellent written and oral communication skills. **Amount of Travel Required** 10% or less **EEO Statement** We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. **Background Check and Drug Testing Information** CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. **Pay Range Min** USD $104,562.00 **Pay Range Max** USD $182,978.00 **Visa Sponsorship Available** No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

About the Company

CDM Smith

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