Environmental Planner or Associate Environmental Planner - Irvine

Dokken Engineering is seeking an Environmental Planner or Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist for its Irvine, CA office. The role involves preparing environmental reports, securing permits, conducting biology field surveys, and collaborating with various stakeholders on public infrastructure projects. Candidates should have relevant experience and a degree in environmental science or a related field. The position emphasizes communication skills, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
Wildlife Biologist (Irvine, CA)

Dokken’s Environmental Division is seeking an Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist or an
Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist in our Irvine, CA office.

At Dokken, you would help shape public
infrastructure that protects natural resources and
improves communities across California. Dokken
provides environmental clearances, permits, and
designs for local, state, and federally funded projects
including trails, roads, bridges, water facilities, transit
systems, and other public works facilities.

Our environmental team works on projects where
your wildlife biology expertise directly influences
habitat conservation, species protection, and creative

infrastructure designs. We have a collaborative, multidisciplinary culture where your curiosity is
encouraged, your ideas matter, and you can grow your career at the pace that suits you while
making a real impact on the places people live, travel, and explore.

Dokken’s in-house environmental team consists of biologists, arborists, archaeologists, noise/air
specialists, environmental planners, GIS technicians, and regulatory permitting experts.

Core Job Responsibilities:
• Progress projects through the environmental process
• Prepare environmental technical reports including, but not limited to, Biological Reports,

Biological Assessments, Community Impact Assessments, Visual Impact Assessments,
Water Quality Assessments, and CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Prepare
Caltrans formatted NEPA technical studies.
• Prepare regulatory permit applications and secure environmental permits
• Conduct biology field surveys: habitat mapping, wetland delineations, nesting bird

surveys, special-status species assessments, restoration monitoring, and more
• Develop and implement mitigation and monitoring reporting programs
• Visit construction projects to oversee compliance with environmental commitments
• Assist with habitat restoration plans
• Prepare pieces of proposals for new projects
• Collaborate with clients, regulatory authorities,

environmental and engineering team members, and
subconsultants

Critical Traits & Abilities:
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written

communication skills
• Driven and takes initiative
• Problem solver and strong critical thinking skills
• Curious with a desire to continuously learn
• Good attention to detail
• Effective technical writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Minimum Requirements:
• Minimum of BA or BS in environmental studies/science, biology, or related field
• Planner level position: minimum of 1 year of relevant experience
• Associate level position: 5-15 years of relevant experience, preferably in California
• Applicants for an associate level position must have a good working knowledge of

Federal and California environmental laws (i.e., CEQA and NEPA, Clean Water Act,
Federal Endangered Species Act, CA Fish and Game Code, etc.)
• CA driver’s license

Physical Requirements:
• Will sit, stand or walk for the entire duration of a workday
• Will use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a regular

basis
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Work indoors and outdoors. Outdoor work can be in remote or urban environments
• Usually work near others, such as in a shared office space
• Occasionally wear protective gear, such as a hard hat
• Sometimes work in noisy or distracting work environments
• Occasionally travel to project sites by automobile, train, and/or airplane
• Occasionally work from a vehicle while at project sites

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Compensation:
• Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist: $70,000 - $90,000
• Associate Environmental Planner/Wildlife Biologist: $80,000 - $120,000
• Specific salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits:
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Comprehensive health plans including medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits including 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with generous, industry-leading

employer match of 9% and participation in Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Wellness Program
• Employer-paid life Insurance and long-term disability insurance

Location: Irvine, CA Office, potential for up to 2 days/week remote

Schedule: Full-time; Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (times flexible)

Introductory/Probationary Period: At-Will Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: It is the policy of this Company to assure that
applicants are selected, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to
their race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. Such actions shall include
employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or
termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training.

If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@dokkenengineering.com
Date posted: 3/30/2026 End Post: When position is filled