Environmental Planning/ CEQA Project Manager/Legal ...

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking a CEQA Project Manager/Legal Advisor to support our Environmental Planning team. This role will primarily focus on preparing and supporting the preparation of a variety of technical documents. Responsibilities include the development of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, review and legal guidance as it relates to technical and permitting documents, supporting Project Managers in project execution, and coordinating with staff and support services (GIS, field staff, production) to complete assignments. While this role may offer flexible work arrangements that can include a mix of in-office and remote work, our changing business needs will ultimately determine our level of remote-work flexibility. Additionally, to promote in-person collaboration and client teaming, we prioritize hiring those who reside within 50 miles of a Rincon office which currently includes: Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. We are open to locations across California. Key Responsibilities Write and manage the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents for a variety of development and long range planning projects Write and manage constraints analyses and feasibility studies Perform and manage planning duties from the entitlement stage through environmental analysis and project implementation Interface with clients and make public presentations to agency decision-making bodies Perform agency consultation and ensure environmental regulatory compliance Coordinate with technical and regulatory specialists for technical analyses and regulatory permitting and consultations Demonstrate confidence in decision-making and be recognized by clients and peers as having expertise in CEQA/NEPA and related technical areas Perform various business development functions, including proposal preparation Oversee and train junior staff on CEQA/NEPA and other planning/environmental requirements In consultation with, and at the direction of, Rincons General Counsel/Legal Team, up to five (5) hours each week for an estimated average of five (5) hours per week, with flexibility to adjust based on project needs: Provide legal review and oversight (QAQC) of CEQA documents. Assist with tracking and interpretation of legislation and case law materials. Support CEQA/NEPA based legal research and trainings. Legal risk analysis Perform other duties as requested by supervisors. Qualifications Education & Experience ​​​​​​​JD, BS/BA or MA/MS, in Environmental Science, or a related discipline. 3-5 years of directly related professional experience, particularly drafting technical CEQA and/or NEPA reports. Skills & Competencies Excellent technical writing, organizational, scheduling, and budget management skills. Experience providing direction to project team members with a solution-oriented approach. Strong interpersonal skills for fostering positive relationships with staff, clients, agencies, and subconsultants. Technical Expertise Demonstrated experience with: Organizing, executing, and coordinating overall project assignments. Coordinating general CEQA processes, schedules and budgets including coordinating with clients on a regular basis. Technical writing (e.g., CEQA/NEPA sections, or similar technical reports). Case law and legislation research and interpretation (Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, Court case search, and related legal search engine expertise) Preparing material and data for planning documents (EIRs, Initial Studies, MNDs). Working in interdisciplinary teams (cultural resources, hazardous materials, water quality, land use planning, air quality). Ability to suggest and advise environmental planners on best practices as it relates to CEQA regulations, case law and/or CEQA Guidelines Rincon Consultants is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals who combine their passion with our purpose.The base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000-$126,000, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on the candidates job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that's why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage

Created: 2025-11-10