PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Environmental Planner for their Arizona offices (Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Tucson). The role involves conducting environmental impact analyses, preparing environmental review documentation, and supporting NEPA processes. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in environmental planning. The position offers flexibility with the option for hybrid or remote work arrangements for those in the region. A bachelor's degree and relevant experience are required.
About the position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding our team and actively looking for dynamic individuals who are following their passion in delivering the highest-quality project work. Our Arizona Team is looking for a self-motivated Project Environmental Planner with attention to detail and strong communication skills. Individuals need to be able to work with peers across various offices and accomplish tasks associated with a variety of projects in any given week. The ability to work directly with clients is imperative. This is a regular status, full time, salaried position, reporting to SWCA's Senior Planning Team Lead in one of SWCA's Arizona offices (Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Tucson). Work can be based in the office, in a hybrid work arrangement, or distributed, for those located in the region. SWCA will consider hiring at either level: Project Environmental Planner - minimum 7 years' related experience. Associate Project Environmental Planner - minimum 5 years' related experience.

Responsibilities
• Perform environmental impact analyses, facilitating public and agency outreach, and providing quality assurance and leadership during the development of Environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs).
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• Contribute to the preparation of environmental review documentation (e.g., EAs, EISs, state and local permitting, critical issue analysis) for a wide variety of projects, including renewable energy development, transmission, mining, etc.
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• Assist in leading, writing, and managing the preparation of environmental compliance documents related to projects managed by federal agencies or state and local governments.
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• Assist multi-disciplinary teams of resource specialists and planners in the preparation of NEPA baseline studies, plans of development and supplementary plans, and general client/applicant support.
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• Support business line growth objectives and assist in leading the development of planning documents including EAs, EISs, and state and local permitting for business lines that may include land use planning, generation, transmission, mining, and others.
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• Assist teams by leading, supporting or providing technical assistance during key steps of the NEPA process, including pre-Notice of Intent activities and project planning; development of the description of the proposed action and purpose and need; NEPA document structuring and content planning; public involvement, including preparing public meeting materials, attending and supporting public meetings, and public comment review and response; records of decisions and findings of no significant impact; and decision files.
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• Demonstrate excellent leadership behavior and professionalism while providing leadership at the project, team, and office level.
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• Provide support to SWCA project managers on NEPA projects.
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• Provide enterprise-level support by contributing to business development pursuits and proposals.
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• Take responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.

Requirements
• A bachelor's degree in environmental planning, environmental science, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, geology, or another science-related field.
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• Five (5) years of NEPA document preparation and experience in environmental consulting.
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• A working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
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• An understanding of agency internal processes and procedures and positive existing relationships with federal land management and regulatory agencies.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; attention to detail; and organization, schedule, and budget management skills.
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• Applicants must have valid driver's license and be able to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

Nice-to-haves
• Master's degree in environmental planning, environmental science, or another natural, biological, or cultural-resources-related field.
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• Seven (7) years of planning or NEPA document preparation and experience in environmental consulting.
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• Experience with public lands, natural resource issues, wind and solar projects, transportation projects, and/or oil and gas projects in the western US.
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• Experience with supporting business development with federal agencies, RMPs, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy developers.

Benefits
• 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).
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• Medical, dental, vision, employee assistance, wellness, life and disability plans.
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• Eligibility to participate in the SWCA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
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• Professional conference attendance, internal and external professional development and training programs, education reimbursement.
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• Bonuses for publications meeting certain criteria.