Assistant Project Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

A Project Planner prepares environmental review (California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)) and project permitting/planning documents, with a focus on gaining experience in environmental review and planning/land use entitlement processes and project management. Project Planners assist senior staff in preparing environmental review and planning documentation, ensuring projects meet regulatory standards, and with project management. This position provides opportunities to learn project management skills and understand the full lifecycle of consulting projects, with a focus on CEQA/NEPA and related environmental analysis. The Project Planner would also assist with the preparation of technical studies related to noise/vibration and air quality resources. The Project Planner works closely with senior staff on project coordination and management, gaining insights into project planning, budgeting, and client communication. The Project Planner position is designed to provide a path toward more advanced project management responsibilities, providing a clear path for career advancement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research and Information Gathering: Conduct background research including reviewing environmental studies, maps, and reports. Compile relevant information to support environmental assessments.
2. Environmental Documentation: Contribute to the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. Assist in data collection, analysis and report writing.
3. Technical Analysis and Writing: Conduct analysis and assist with the preparation of various technical studies, including but not limited to air quality, energy, noise/vibration, and transportation.
4. Client and Team Coordination: Support senior staff in maintaining communication with clients and project teams. Help organize meetings, prepare meeting materials, and document project progress.
5. Project Support: Provide assistance to senior planners and project managers in all aspects of CEQA/NEPA project management. This includes assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of environmental projects. Support the development of project scopes, schedules, and budgets under the guidance of project managers.
6. Training and Development: Actively participate in training sessions and professional development activities to build skills and knowledge in environmental planning and project management.

(The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or related field from four-year college or university. Must have computer literacy, including basic programming, word processing, spreadsheet skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office software package.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Good relationship with Excel is a plus.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.