Job Summary:

The Senior Engineering Environmental Planner will execute and oversee the review and analysis of the environmental impact of various engineering projects, providing expertise in environmental regulation to management and operations staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Assists in hiring and training new engineering environmental planners; mentors and guides them through new procedures and policies.
• Delegates specific assignments to junior engineers based on experience and expertise.
• Conducts or assists with performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Evaluates the environmental effects of road construction, debris cleaning, or other engineering projects and identifies appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepares environmental assessments, negative declarations, categorical exemptions, and other related documents and reports.
• Researches and explains county, state, and federal regulations related to environmental quality and protection; assesses and ensures compliance.
• Negotiates with regulatory agencies regarding necessary mitigation methods and permit conditions.
• Writes and files Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for environmental consulting work.
• Executes technical and field research to gather data for controversial or complex projects.
• Ensures that tasks performed by contractors are completed in accordance with contractual timelines and quality.
• Drafts thorough project descriptions that include cost estimates.
• Prepares, or oversees the preparation of, regulatory and other agency project permit applications.
• Presents applications and environmental documents for approval during public hearings with regulatory or decision-making bodies.
• Acts as a liaison to staff of various county departments regarding environmental permitting, laws, and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of field and technical research practices.
• Thorough understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and provisions of the applicable states environmental laws.
• Thorough understanding of environmental review process and documents.
• Thorough understanding of methods used in the assessment and evaluation of environmental impact on wildlife, plant life, and other natural resources.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and sketches.
• Ability to make independent decisions, prepare narrative reports, and act as a liaison between department and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to develop and maintain working relationships and informally negotiate with other departments, outside entities, and private consultants.
• Ability to evaluate and train staff.
• Ability to negotiate contracts.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Law, Planning, Geography, Life Science, or related field required.
• At least two years of professional experience in land use planning or environmental review; OR an equivalent combination of training, experience, and education required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to traverse uneven terrain for up to 1.5 miles and in a variety of hazardous or unpleasant field conditions.
• Must be able to occasionally drive bulldozer or use a machete to clear brush.