Senior Environmental Planner

Job Title: Senior Environmental Planner (Env Impact Analysis)

Location: Reno, Nevada; employee must reside in Nevada

Absolutely Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, or Related field and mMnimum 10 Years Experience in Environmental Permitting, Developing All or Parts of Environmental Impact Analysis documents (e.g., Environmental Reviews for Cat Ex; Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements)

Targeted Specialists: Regulatory Specialist, Planner, Biological Resources, Wetland/Water Resources, Geologist

Reporting to: Principal; Project Managers

Summary: Seeking an environmental planner or regulatory specialist to lead or assist in the analysis of project impacts, development of impact assessment documents (ERs for CatEx, EAs, EISs), and support state and federal permitting for projects permitted or funded by federal agencies or projects on federal lands. Projects may include transportation, pipeline, power (generation and transmission), other infrastructure, facility management, mining, urban development/redevelopment, and similar projects. Projects may require compliance with NEPA and other law and regulations for federal agencies including BLM, DOT, USFS, BoR, NPS, USFWS, PUC, USACE, USDA, DOD, HUD, and others, as well as state agencies. May require facilitating/supporting/implementing/presenting for public, stakeholder, agency, and board meetings.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (and other duties as assigned):

• Assist in the management and oversight of projects, teams, equipment, facilities, and personnel to effectively achieve client and corporate goals and objectives.
• Assist in the expansion of BEC’s services and client base through utilizing existing and by developing new professional relationships.
• Evaluate potential impacts of various project types in accordance with federal regulations, guidelines and regulations for specific resources, and guidelines or standards established by the cognizant lead federal agency.
• Plan, manage, organize, and develop pre-NEPA (including DOT PELs), NEPA, and supporting documents in accordance with CEQ guidelines, agency regulations, and BEC standards.
• Work with clients to develop effective mitigation plans to avoid or minimize impacts.
• Develop, oversee, and support acquisition of environmental clearances, approvals, and permits for transportation, infrastructure, mining, and other projects and programs.
• Design, collect, and implement environmental field studies to support regulatory compliance, impact documentation, permitting, and reporting.
• Collect, manage, synthesize, and summarize large volumes of environmental data in an effective, efficient manner.
• Plan, organize, facilitate and present at public, stakeholder, and agency outreach meetings to provide and to seek information and build consensus.
• Maintain electronic file systems and record keeping in support of Project Files and Administrative Records.
• Implement desk-top evaluations of proposed projects utilizing agency databases, remote imagery, GIS, and other tools.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, subconsultants, clients, resource agency personnel, stakeholders, and the public as required.
• Assist Project Managers with daily activities, including project/task prioritization, resource allocation, task assignments, project coordination, and deliverable/milestone tracking.
• Ensure project documents are complete, correct, current, and stored appropriately.
• Work effectively as a member of a diverse team with common goals, as well as independently on specific tasks.
• Manage tasks/projects as appropriate to experience level and under oversight from Management.
• Track and report work hours and expenses daily.
• Continually seek opportunities to enhance the company’s value to our clients, our community, and our environment.

Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental planning, biological resources, water resources, geology, or related discipline required. Master’s degree preferred. A minimum ten years of experience obtaining/managing environmental clearances and permits and developing NEPA or similar planning/compliance documents required.

Required experience includes:

• Understanding of and experience with evaluating impacts of projects under NEPA regulations and guidelines for federal projects, projects on federal lands, or using federal funds.
• Working knowledge of federal and state regulations including NEPA, Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and executive orders and CEQ guidance on Environmental Justice and Climate Change.
• Must possess or immediately obtain a Nevada Driver’s License, Clean Motor Vehicle Record, and ability to safely drive 4wd vehicle in rugged terrain.
• Safety oriented mindset with the determination to follow procedures and policies.
• Ability and willingness to travel; walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, remote locations, and rugged terrain; and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds required.
• Experience conducting baseline and other surveys related to wildlife, plants, wetlands/water and/or other resources in the Great Basin or Mojave Deserts.
• Experience managing environmental projects, including developing scopes of works and proposals, managing budgets, coordinating with clients, overseeing multi-disciplinary project teams, providing proper QA/QC reviews, and tracking and managing schedules.
• Experience with strategic planning, business development, marketing, and client management.

Preferred experience includes:

• Experience recording thorough and accurate technical data and other field observations on data forms, field notes, and/or electronic data systems.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of software and applications required. Proficiency with Adobe suite of software and ArcGIS, including data management and map production.
• Proficiency with use of GPS units for mapping, data logging, and data management required.
• Ability to read maps and basic construction plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in the company’s culture and professional setting.
• Experience working with clients, construction crews, and co-workers at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Physical Demands: The ability to hike over uneven and steep terrain for several miles in the desert environment in extreme weather conditions may be required. Lifting objects up to 40 pounds may be necessary. Driving four-wheel-drive vehicles on unmaintained roads, off-road, and over paved roads for extended periods of time to access isolated project sites may be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Highly variable, based on tasks assigned, and may include standard office environment; outdoors in variable conditions; active construction sites; informal public outreach/meeting venues; and formal meeting venues. Work will be performed primarily in Southern Nevada and in-State, with some out-of-State travel required to conduct project-related activities. The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The ideal candidate is willing to cross-train into other areas of environmental consulting, including biological resource surveys and monitoring, waters of the US delineations, Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessment support, hazardous material surveys and monitoring, grant application development,  proposal development and other areas to support diverse projects and clientele.