Early Career Environmental Planner

Position Description 

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Environmental Planner to support our California District. The candidate may sit in any of our California offices, including San Jose, Oakland, Petaluma, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, Fresno, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, or San Diego. Be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

In this role you will take part in providing local 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 on permitting, site and impact assessment, restoration, land use management plans, public involvement, and environmental regulatory compliance assignments. Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

-Under general supervision, assist with collecting, identifying, and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys. 
-Under direct supervision, assist with preparing environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned tasks (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
-Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, demographics, patterns and trends, and statistical analysis of environmental data.
-Assist with performing basic professional environmental planning work relating to ecological systems, habitats, air, and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
-Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, field/work site notes, and software.
-Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
-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.)
-Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable ---Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
-Familiar with relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
-Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
-Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
-Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
-Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
-Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
-Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
-Familiarity with discipline-specific software (i.e., ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
-Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

-Prior internship related to the environmental planning.
-A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.