Environmental Specialist

HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC. • Sacramento, CA

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking a motivated early career Environmental Specialist to join their NorCal Environmental Planning Group. This role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on California’s environment and grow technical expertise in air quality, climate change, and noise analysis through hands-on experience with meaningful projects. HELIX emphasizes technical excellence and a people-first culture, supporting professional development, collaboration, and mentorship. The position features a hybrid schedule, requiring at least three days per week in the office for training, teamwork, and career growth. The Environmental Specialist will be part of a collaborative NorCal EPG team, primarily supporting projects in the Sacramento region. Daily tasks include running air quality and noise models, interpreting regulatory guidance, collaborating with planners and engineers, and contributing to CEQA/NEPA documents, balancing focused technical work with team coordination to directly shape real-world projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, or related field
• We will consider those just graduating up to 4 years of experience supporting CEQA/NEPA air quality, GHG, or noise studies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Excel
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of California and federal air quality, GHG, and noise regulations
• Experience with CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, HARP, and advanced noise modeling tools
• Experience preparing CEQA/NEPA environmental documents
• Master’s or PhD in a related field

Responsibilities

• Conduct air quality, GHG, energy, and noise modeling and analysis as an Environmental Specialist
• Prepare technical reports and environmental document sections (IS/MNDs, EIRs, EISs, EAs)
• Apply tools such as CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, and FHWA TNM
• Evaluate impacts and determine significance under CEQA and NEPA
• Develop mitigation measures and support alternatives analysis
• Coordinate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Respond to agency and public comments with clear technical support
• Maintain quality control and regulatory compliance in all deliverables

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees