JOB TITLE: Planner, Senior(Environmental)

PROJECT OERVIEW:

Various projects, including On-Call Task Orders, major state highway NEPA/CEQA documents (with Caltrans and FHWA involvement), fixed rail projects (with FTA involvement), and local streets and roads for self-help counties.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision of senior staff, prepares selected technical studies contributing to NEPA and CEQA environmental clearance documents. Examples of studies include impact assessments related to: socioeconomics (demographics & ethnicity), community cohesion, land use compatibility, acquisitions & displacements, visual impacts, parks & open space, and public facilities (parks, schools, etc.). Reviews and summarizes technical studies done by others, including traffic, hazardous materials, noise, air quality, geotechnical, water quality, and cultural resources. Prepares impact sections for CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Assists in the assembly of EIRs and EISs. Prepares lower level clearance documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exemptions, Categorical Exclusions). Assists senior staff in the management of large environmental documents, including subconsultant management, document assembly and reproduction and document distribution. Attends client meetings on occasion.

The Planner at this level is able to apply experience and increasing proficiency in the use of urban/environmental planning theories, practices, and company policies. Some assignments involve application of computer software. Should be proficient in writing and processing lower level NEPA, CEQA and combined environmental documents for Caltrans/FHWA, FTA, FRA and other transportation entities. Should have assisted in the management of higher level documents.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES::

Performs various assignments requiring conventional planning expertise, but may include some difficult planning and coordination requirements. Gathers, compiles, and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use.

Confers with local authorities, social scientists, and planning staff to obtain and analyze information relevant to making impact determinations.

Performs in-house socio-economic, relocation, community impact, growth inducement, environmental justice, noise, water quality/floodplain, and various transportation planning and traffic engineering studies.

Develops impact determinations and recommended mitigation measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation.

Prepares, coordinates, and assists in facilitating public involvement and consensus-building meetings and workshops.

Prepares sections for environmental impact documents. Integrates the work of others into environmental documents.

May coordinate the work of technicians and/or lower-level Planners.

Performs other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Masters degree in Urban/Transportation/Environmental Planning or related field and 5-10 years of related work experience in environmental impact assessment and documentation of rail and highway transportation projects. Demonstrated familiarity with NEPA, CEQA, and the related environmental processes. Working knowledge of Caltrans/FHWA and/or FTA guidance and procedures for environmental studies, documentation and processing.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

Strong personal references. Excellent writing and communication skills. Proficiency in utilizing PC and various software packages typically used in urban/environmental planning assignments is required.

Parsons is an equal opportunity/drug free employer committed to diversity in the workplace M/F/D/V.