Senior Environmental Planner

About Us
 

We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with 500+ professionals and over 30 years of experience serving clients across the transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors.
We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work
, as reflected in the experiences our employees share on Glassdoor and the trust, connection, and sense of purpose felt across our company. 

Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems. At Rincon, people come first. We value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can grow, contribute meaningfully, and do their best work.

About the Role
We are 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. 

How We Collaborate
This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include: 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. 

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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.

Investing in You
The base salary range for this full-time position is $108,000–$154,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement. 

Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page. 

Additional Employment Information
 

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.