Associate Environmental Planning and Permitting Professional

WSP • Santa Barbara, CA

3d

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Associate Environmental Planning and Permitting professional to work with senior managers to assist with environmental planning projects, faciliate project compliance with environmental regulations, expand existing and new client relationships, and contribute to WSP’s capacity and leading role in the environmental and engineering marketplace. The successful candidate will work directly with project and senior managers and team members throughout California and remotely.
Your Impact
Assist with collecting, identifying, and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys.
Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
Under general supervision, assist with preparing analyses of environmental issues in the context of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting, local planning documents, etc.
Supporting preparation and development of technical reports, review of studies received from federal and state agencies, and participation in weekly meetings and calls and on a variety of project team
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, demographics, patterns and trends, and statistical analysis of environmental data.
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.
Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
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.
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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Land Use Planning, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 1 to 3 years of experience working in the environmental planning, policy and impact assessment field, preparing resource descriptions, impact analyses, providing permitting support, etc.
• Familiarity and experience with relevant environmental laws (NEPA and CEQA), permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable regional/State/Federal regulatory frameworks.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results and to identify the most effective solutions to accomplish assigned project objectives.
• Highly familiar with relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, 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.
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work efficiently and demonstrate effective organizational skills.
• 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.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Land Use Planning, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• MS Project and GIS Experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, identifying, and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, habitat types, and associated physical and wildlife sensitivities.
• Under general supervision, assist with preparing analyses of environmental issues in the context of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting, local planning documents, etc.
• Supporting preparation and development of technical reports, review of studies received from federal and state agencies, and participation in weekly meetings and calls and on a variety of project team
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, demographics, patterns and trends, and statistical analysis of environmental data.
• 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.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees