Senior Environmental Planner (NEPA)

Socket.dev is hiring a Senior Environmental Planner (NEPA) in Los Angeles, CA. The role involves supporting federal land management planning for the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring NEPA compliance, and leading interdisciplinary teams. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, including expertise in environmental analysis and policy. The position offers opportunities to influence land management initiatives while collaborating with senior leadership.
Essnova Solutions, Inc. is an award-winning, SBA 8(a) and HUBZone certified small business delivering innovative technology and professional services to federal, state, local, and commercial clients. Recognized for rapid growth and exceptional performance, Essnova is committed to empowering those who serve through relentless speed, efficiency, and bold innovation. Our recent prime contract awards and strong reputation in federal missions make us a trusted partner for complex environmental and geospatial projects. As an Environmental Policy Analyst, you will play a critical role in supporting federal land management planning efforts for the U.S. Forest Service. You will leverage your expertise in environmental policy and NEPA compliance to guide interdisciplinary teams, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and ensure regulatory adherence across large-scale projects. This position offers the opportunity to impact national and regional land management initiatives while collaborating with senior leadership and diverse project teams.Key responsibilities include:Leading the preparation, coordination, and revision of National Forest System land management plans and NEPA documents, ensuring compliance with the Northwest Forest Plan and Forest Service policies.Providing expert policy analysis and guidance on federal land management planning, NEPA scoping, alternatives development, and impact analysis to support interdisciplinary planning teams.Conducting rigorous environmental analyses and policy reviews for large-scale, regional or national land management projects, including writing, editing, and integrating findings into planning documents and decision packets.Serving as a subject-matter advisor to higher management and project teams on policy interpretation, Forest Service planning requirements, and NEPA documentation, facilitating cross-agency and stakeholder coordination.Ensuring citizen engagement and stakeholder communication by preparing briefings, public notices, responses to comments, and documentation that supports transparent decision-making and regulatory compliance.Requirements Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field10+ years of experience in federal land management, environmental analysis, policy, and NEPA-related workSpecialized experience with land management planning on National Forest System landsExperience advising or participating on interdisciplinary teams conducting land management planning and environmental analysisExperience supporting large-scale regional or national land management projectsStrong proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, ArcGIS, and Adobe/PDF editing toolsSolid knowledge of NEPA and experience writing/editing NEPA documentsExpertise in Forest Service land management planning policy and writing/editing land management plansExperience applying the Forest Service land management planning process (e.g., 36 CFR 219 planning rule)Professional proficiency in EnglishU.S. citizenship (required for government contract)Experience preparing public-facing NEPA/planning materials, including public notices and responses to public commentsPreferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a policy-related fieldKnowledge of the Northwest Forest Plan and/or experience working in the Northwest Forest Plan areaBenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k)Paid time off + federal holidaysFast-track growth in a high-accountability cultureWhy EssnovaRapidly growing, innovation-focused Gov Con firmHigh-ownership environment where your wins matterDirect access to leadership, zero bureaucracyCulture built on speed, agility, and results#J-18808-Ljbffr