Environmental Planner jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Our Business 

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. 
 
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

Provides technical environmental planning assistance to minimize the environmental impacts of commercial, industrial, utility, transmission, development, infrastructure, construction, pipeline, and/or transportation related projects.   Tasks may include providing support to technical staff and project managers for permitting, site and impact assessment, restoration, land use management plans, public involvement, and ensuring environmental regulatory compliance.  Generates accurate and concise documentation by applying and integrating urban and regional planning with a focus on sustainability.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Assist with collecting, identifying, and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys.  
• Under general supervision, assist with preparing environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.) 
• Perform basic professional environmental planning work relating to ecological systems, habitats, air, and water resources, verifying the characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on various environmental issues.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, field/work site notes, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with environmental risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with low-level threat mitigation activities and remediation projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field work permitting.
• Complete training on assigned tasks. 
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 1 to 3 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental surveys, fieldwork, habitat and construction support, impact assessments, and permitting.
• Familiarity and experience with relevant environmental laws (NEPA and CEQA), permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
• Capable analytical skills, and experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework. 
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Competent self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
• Masters Degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.

WSP Benefits: 
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation
Expected Salary: $63,500- $87,340

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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