Assistant Environmental Planner

WRA’s environmental planning team prepares environmental documents that enable planning and development projects, habitat restoration, climate resiliency, public access, and vital public infrastructure projects to proceed. We are looking for an Assistant Environmental Planner to prepare CEQA and NEPA documents for a diverse mix of clients and project types. This is an entry level position. The person in this role will work closely with, and under the direction of a Senior Environmental Planner and/or a supervisor.

To be considered for this role, candidates must reside within approximately 45 minutes of our San Rafael, Emeryville, and Petaluma offices. This proximity ensures you can actively contribute to our collaborative team environment and be available for local field site visits as needed.

In this role, you will:

• Grow as an environmental professional by developing an understanding of CEQA/NEPA process goals and practices
• Assist with preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents, including taking ownership over assigned resource sections of CEQA documents under the supervision of project managers and other senior staff
• Lead research efforts in support of background information for various CEQA/NEPA documents as assigned (i.e. CEs, IS/MNDs, EIRs)
• Proactively pursue training opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and relevant job skills
• Deepen your understanding of current environmental planning laws and regulatory requirements
• Learn to utilize and master project management applications (e.g., resource planning, budget monitoring)
• Advise project managers, based on coordination with subject matter experts, on technical issues that may require changes in scope and additional fees
• Support proposal efforts to generate new business
• Coordinate and build relationships with technical subconsultants on proposal and project efforts
• Contribute to a collaborative environment in support of client needs and company goals
• Other duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you will need: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in land use, urban, regional, or city planning, community planning, or environmental studies
• 1-2 years of professional experience or a Master’s degree
• Familiarity with the purpose and application of CEQA and NEPA
• To reflect on your impact, self-regulate in complex situations, and maintain a mindset oriented toward learning and development
• A desire and ability to work in a team environment
• A desire and ability to accept increasing responsibility as appropriate
• Self motivation and curiosity
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and their Google Suite counterparts (Docs, Sheets, Presentations)
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

*The salary range for this position is $54,000-$70,000 depending on experience. In your first conversation with our recruiter, we will discuss leveling and compensation with you to make sure that expectations are aligned. 

Who are we?

WRA’s company vision is “cultivating a sustainable future where people and the environment thrive” and that starts with our staff. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, and we have developed flexible policies, internal practices, and are investing in programs that prioritize learning and sustainability. We aim to create conditions that allow employees to prioritize their families, lead healthy and balanced lives, and to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We believe that by creating an exceptional workplace, our employees will be able to do their best work and be able to meaningfully contribute to the sustainability of the environment and the communities in which we live.

WRA’s an employee-owned environmental consultancy. We are a tenacious team of planners, engineers, and scientists, and we aim to leave the lands we love better than we found them. 

Our clients and partners hire us because we’re skilled at navigating through challenging projects involving wildlands, parks, community spaces, and infrastructure. We bring over four decades of expertise, long-standing relationships, and connections to our local communities to make sure that projects are pursued in responsible ways where both people and the environment thrive. 

As an organization, we believe that independence and interdependence are not mutually exclusive. We invest in systems, processes, and employee programs to support our staff’s collective engagement and success. At the same time, we encourage our employees to operate with an ownership mindset, taking responsibility for outcomes and being true to our commitments. 

WRA is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating a diverse environment. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.