Associate Environmental Planner

About us

Pax Environmental, Inc. is a veteran-owned environmental consulting firm based in Ojai, CA which offers a range of professional services including ecological restoration; cultural resource management; water quality analysis; wildlife biology; environmental regulatory permitting; GIS services; and multidisciplinary project management.

At Pax, we are committed to a people-first culture, where effective communication and strong client relationships are at the core of everything we do. Guided by our reputation for excellence, we lead the industry through innovation and remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding environmental and cultural resources.

Job Summary

The Associate Environmental Planner plays an important role in supporting technical project planning and permitting efforts. Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Environmental Services and Planning, this position assists with environmental review and permitting by conducting research, preparing project descriptions, drafting permit applications, analyzing regulatory compliance (CEQA/NEPA, ESA, CWA), and coordinating with interdisciplinary project teams and regulatory agencies. The role also includes due diligence site assessments, technical writing, supporting client relationships, public hearings, and business development efforts.

Essential Duties

- Support project planning and permitting projects by preparing background research, data collection, due diligence investigations, project descriptions, permit applications, and drafting other related documents under the guidance of senior planning staff.

- Assist with environmental review and regulatory compliance (e.g., CEQA/NEPA, waters permitting, and local land use and zoning regulations) by drafting sections of due diligence reports and policy/ordinance consistency analyses, coordinating with regulatory agencies, and compiling technical data.

- Conduct site visits and/or desktop property assessments to collect baseline data on land use regulations, natural resources, and environmental conditions.

- Support the preparation of maps, figures, and application submittal materials using GIS and other software tools to support analysis and client deliverables.

- Coordinate with interdisciplinary project team members (biologists, cultural resources specialists, waters/wetlands specialists, engineers, architects, etc.) to gather information, development project descriptions, and ensure consistency across project documents.

- Track project schedules and deliverables and provide regular updates to the project manager and/or director.

- Assist with stakeholder and client communications by preparing meeting notes, drafting correspondence, and public hearing presentation support.

- Support business development by assisting in identifying new client opportunities and drafting proposals.

- Maintain organized project files and databases to ensure accurate recordkeeping, managing project deliverable schedules, and efficient workflow.

- Support with scheduling field staff and tracking staff deliverables.

Competencies

- Ability to understand the 'big picture' related to projects and client relationships, while also having a strong understanding of the details, data, and procedures related to a successful project outcome.

- Experience processing environmental permits, including Section 404, Section 401, State and Federal Endangered Species Act, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, California Coastal Act, and local zoning requirements.

- High-level competency in Office 365, time tracking systems, and other computer and browser-based software.

- Effective and concise written and verbal communication skills.

- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.

- Experience writing technical reports and regulatory compliance/policy consistency summaries.

- Strong aptitude for both working independently and coordinating teams to accomplish difficult tasks.

- Ability to delegate effectively.

- Must have a satisfactory driving record.

- Must provide declaration of auto insurance (CA state-minimum required) upon hire.

- Must complete a background check.

Desired Qualifications

- Degree in Environmental/Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field.

- 2+ years’ experience in environmental, land use planning, or related field.

- Experience working in local government agencies, planning-related, or environmental consulting firms preferred.

- A working knowledge of key environmental regulatory legislation (e.g., CEQA/NEPA, ESA, CWA, CDFW) and procedures.

- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Physical Requirements

- Required to sit or stand at an office workstation, sometimes for extended periods.

- Required to work on keyboard, using a mouse while looking at computer screens/monitors, sometimes for extended periods.

- Comfortable working physically challenging outdoor situations in all types of weather and traveling on a regular basis to project sites which may require overnight stays.

- Able to perform field work on uneven terrain.

- Required to work with hand tools.

- Be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Opportunities for advancement

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ojai, CA 93023