Environmental Planner I​/II

Brelje & Race Consulting Engineers has an opportunity for an environmental planner to join our team in the planning and environmental review of public works, school improvements, parks and site development projects. This position will be based in our office in Santa Rosa, California, and is available immediately. The position is intended to be full-time; however, part-time may also be considered.

The position will be fully in-office to start, with the option to transition to a hybrid schedule (part-time remote) over time.

Brelje & Race is primarily focused on civil engineering projects in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Lake and Mendocino counties. The Environmental Planner provides environmental review and permitting support for engineering projects. The types of projects generally include:

• Water: infrastructure improvements and upgrades, water system consolidations, and wildfire repair
• Wastewater: improvements and upgrades to existing wastewater systems, implementation of new wastewater collection and treatment systems in unserved areas
• Schools: school site improvements including reconstruction of existing facilities
• Site development: winery, housing, industrial and business development projects
• Parks: park facility improvements, new parks and trails

Primary responsibilities include production of all levels of environmental documents under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (less common). Responsibilities also include preparing and processing environmental permit applications through state and federal agencies, including CDFW, RWQCB, USACE, USFWS and NMFS. Secondary responsibilities could include land use planning to assist local development projects, including processing tentative maps, general plan amendments, use permits, coastal permits, design review, rezonings, annexations, and feasibility studies.

The Environmental Planner will work under the guidance and support of our senior environmental planner. Additional support will be available from our seasoned engineering staff and others who will be available to share professional guidance and mentorship.

• A bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, political science, environmental science, environmental policy, or related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Two to five years of experience preparing CEQA documents and/or environmental permit applications OR has experience working on regulatory compliance for environmental permits
• Ability to work independently and as part of a project team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Familiarity with ArcGIS software

• Strong technical writing and editing skills
• Knowledge of state and federal permitting agency regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively in meetings and in a public forum, present ideas and findings at public meetings, strong public speaking skills
• Experience with state or federally funding projects
• Knowledge of California water and wastewater regulations