Senior Environmental Planner

Senior Environmental PlannerDoes this describe you? CEQA and NEPA are exciting environmental laws for you—you might even call yourself a "CEQA Geek" or "NEPA Nerd." You enjoy helping clients anticipate and solve environmental issues, define compliance strategies, and manage complex environmental planning projects. You are experienced in overseeing environmental compliance documents from start to finish, including quality assurance, client management, schedule and budget oversight, and team coordination. You are comfortable taking ownership of deliverables and working closely with colleagues and clients, including supporting staff development while collaborating with Ascent principals and analysts.To stay current in the field, you follow CEQA and NEPA case law and regularly engage in legal and practice updates. You keep up with environmental topics such as urban planning, sustainable transportation, water, energy, biodiversity, and climate change. You bring strong analytical and writing skills, excel at translating technical information for decision-makers and the public, and have experience with business development, proposal writing, and client relationship building. Above all, you bring a positive attitude and a collaborative, people-focused approach.Ascent is seeking a full-time Senior Environmental Planner to join our Environmental Practice in Berkeley, Irvine, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, or Sacramento. In a typical week in this position, you might:Work with clients on their most important, often complex, and challenging environmental planning documentsCollaborate closely with Ascent principals, who support you in carrying out projectsTeam up, shoulder-to-shoulder, with a knowledgeable, interdisciplinary group of Ascent professionals in Irvine, San Diego, Berkeley, Sacramento, and Lake TahoeBrainstorm with your assistant project manager, who helps you coordinate projectsCommunicate directly with clients, regulatory agencies, sub-consultants, and stakeholders to understand and address a broad range of perspectivesPrepare budgets and schedules, and carry out project work within agreed time frames and contract priceCreate, with your team, high-quality environmental and planning documentsProvide quality review of documents, with attention to completeness, legal adequacy, technical accuracy, and readabilityRepresent Ascent and our clients at public meetings, workshops, and open housesLead and contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and relationship building with existing and prospective clientsParticipate in professional associations, such as speaking at conferencesHelp with mentoring and skill development of more junior staffPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.RequirementsBachelor's and/or master's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Natural Resources, Physical Sciences, or a related fieldA minimum of 8 years of experience in the preparation of CEQA/NEPA analysis2-5 years of experience managing environmental documents and analysesA record of successful environmental planning projects and working relationships with clients and regulatory agencies are neededWork environmentTypical office environmentHybridPhysical DemandsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.TravelLimited travel may be required.Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorshipAdditional eligibility requirements: N/AAt Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.As a people-first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions.Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at PeopleResources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!EEO StatementAscent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc.Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.Salary Description $93,600–$145,600