Environmental Planner; CEQA​/NEPA Specialist

Job Title

Environmental Planner (CEQA/NEPA Specialist)

Drive Meaningful Environmental Change Through Impactful Projects. With a high degree of autonomy, you will lead the collection, synthesis, and analysis of complex environmental data to support critical impact assessments under CEQA and NEPA—helping shape responsible development across diverse projects.

You’ll tackle analyses ranging from foundational to highly complex, contributing to environmental documents, technical studies, and strategic plans that influence real‑world outcomes. As a trusted expert, you’ll review and elevate the work of junior staff and subconsultants, ensuring high‑quality, actionable deliverables.

In this role, you’ll get out in the field and into the data, overseeing or conducting investigations, surveys, and research to evaluate the environmental footprint of proposed land use and infrastructure projects. You’ll work closely with engineers, designers, and clients, solving complex challenges and driving innovative, compliant solutions.

You’ll play a key role in navigating environmental regulations, reviewing land use plans for alignment with local, state, and federal laws—and helping teams proactively address compliance risks.

As a core contributor, you’ll create and shape CEQA/NEPA documentation, including EIRs, EISs, Environmental Assessments, technical appendices, and categorical exemptions—turning technical insights into clear, compelling reports that guide decision‑making.

Beyond technical work, you’ll engage with communities and stakeholders, supporting public outreach efforts through presentations, workshops, and informational materials that bring projects to life.

• Partner with project leadership to manage workflow, quality, and deliverables.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, building the next generation of environmental professionals.
• Collaborate on proposals and client pursuits, helping win impactful work.
• Advise clients directly on their evolving CEQA/NEPA compliance needs.

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. AICP, PTP, PE, CEP or approved certification in a related field. Or Master’s degree in the same disciplines. 7 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree or 6 years with a Master’s degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Expertise in writing CEQA and NEPA documents for a variety of agencies and project types and sizes.
• Transit and Aviation CEQA/NEPA experience.

• Expert knowledge of principles and methods for completing environmental impact assessments of land use and infrastructure projects and regulatory programs in compliance with CEQA and NEPA.
• Expert knowledge of laws, legal codes, court precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the public involvement process.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, such as models used to evaluate impacts to air quality, transportation, and noise.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

California - Irvine

5% domestic and/or international travel required.

No. The position does not support sponsorship for H‑1B or TN visas.

Minimum: $104,562

Maximum: $182,978

The pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position based on the geographic location assigned to the position. Pay may vary by location and candidate factors.

CDM Smith may require background checks and drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. Conditions and procedures vary for positions outside the United States.

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Hybrid work options may be considered for successful candidates.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.