Senior Environmental Planner - Healthy Communities

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place to Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

We are seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to join our growing Environmental Planning team and lead our Healthy Communities service area. This leadership role focuses on CEQA environmental review for land use development and water infrastructure projects, while also driving business development, client management, and team leadership.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in CEQA, a passion for community-focused planning, and the ability to grow client relationships and mentor staff. You’ll work closely with Rincon’s Principals and Managers to shape strategy, deliver high-quality work, and expand our impact across California.

This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients, and may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include:
Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

The ideal candidate will be based in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Ventura, though other California locations may also be considered.

• Lead the preparation, review, and approval of CEQA documents, ensuring compliance and promoting innovative, high-quality work products.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams of planners and analysts, providing mentorship and technical guidance.
• Coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate project approvals.
• Represent Rincon at public hearings (Planning Commission, City Council, Board of Supervisors), workshops, and consultations.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews of CEQA documents and reports prior to Principal-level review.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to proposal development and strategic business growth.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, quality service, and client satisfaction.
• Serve as a thought leader in environmental planning, enhancing Rincon’s reputation and visibility.

• A BA/BS (or higher) in urban planning, geography, or a related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in environmental planning, policy, or consulting, including supervisory and client-facing roles.
• Proven success managing CEQA/NEPA-compliant projects and public-facing planning efforts.
• Strong understanding of California planning and environmental policy.
• Excellent writing, communication, facilitation, and proposal development skills.
• A track record of building client relationships and contributing to business development.
• Willingness to travel within California as needed.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $108,000–$154,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement…