Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager - Utilities

Rincon Consultants is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner / Project Manager in our Utilities Sector with experience in land use entitlement and CEQA/NEPA for Utilities projects. This role blends environmental planning expertise with project leadership in support of utilities infrastructure projects. This role will be responsible for managing and preparing constraints studies, discretionary land use permit applications, and CEQA/NEPA documents, and coordinating with technical experts to deliver high-quality environmental studies and permits. This position also includes client interface, public presentations, and supporting business development initiatives. This position offers an opportunity to grow both technical and project coordination skills in a collaborative and mission-driven consulting environment.

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. 


Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities : 
Project Management & Technical Execution

• Lead environmental planning projects from feasibility through land use entitlement
• Prepare or oversee CEQA/NEPA documents
• Prepare constraints analyses to assess project viability and inform planning decisions
• Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
• Contribute to QA/QC processes to support technical accuracy and compliance

Client Coordination & Regulatory Support

• Serve as a point of contact for clients, agencies, and consultant teams
• Provide CEQA/NEPA guidance to support project planning and permitting
• Collaborate across disciplines to align environmental review with client goals and regulatory expectations

Team Collaboration & Business Development

• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge-sharing
• Assist with staffing coordination, performance feedback, and career development
• Support proposal writing, cost estimating, and relationship-building in the utilities sector
• Represent Rincon in client meetings and at industry events

This Job Might Be for You If You Have the Following : 

• Minimum of 6 years of related experience working in California; environmental consulting firm experience is preferred but not required.
• BA/BS preferably in environmental science, urban planning or related discipline; an advanced degree is desired.
• Strong knowledge of environmental planning principles and practices, including CEQA/NEPA and other relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with a large, multi-disciplinary team.
• Solid schedule and budget management abilities.
• Ability to travel as projects require.

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 $88,000–$140,000, 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 actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s 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 here !  

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.