Environmental Planner / Permitting Specialist

Anchor QEA, LLC is hiring a full-time Environmental Planner / Permitting Specialist in Irvine, CA. The role involves supporting regulatory permits for waterfront projects, completing permit applications, and collaborating with project managers. Responsibilities include conducting fieldwork, developing environmental studies, and coordinating with team members. Candidates should have a related Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, particularly in California environmental regulations and permitting processes.
What's the Opportunity?
Anchor QEA is seeking a full‑time Environmental Planning and Permitting Specialist to support the acquisition of regulatory permits and approvals for waterfront construction and redevelopment, dredging, and restoration projects primarily located in California. You will assist project managers with completing permit applications, including developing and reviewing environmental studies, status reports, and other associated deliverables; coordinate with team members to obtain necessary inputs, such as engineering design drawings, GIS analysis or mapping, and technical editing review; and complete quality‐control review of work products in collaboration with project managers. This position may also require some fieldwork, primarily in the local area. You will be a key member of project teams with opportunities to continue learning and helping to solve challenging environmental problems.


Responsibilities

Completing permit applications related to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code, the Porter‑Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the California Coastal Act, and other relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
Completing supporting documentation and analyses, requiring review of relevant regulatory codes, preparation of compensatory mitigation plans, and documentation of alternatives analysis processes.
Contributing to the development of technical discipline reports and studies, which may include those to support California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.
Coordinating input from others as needed to deliver complete work products.
Participating in client meetings and responding to agency, tribal, and public comments and questions on work products.
Conducting fieldwork or site visits as needed (predominantly local travel).

What Are We Looking For?

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., environmental planning or policy, natural resources, etc.).
Minimum of three years relevant experience, preferably in consulting.
Knowledge of environmental regulations with experience conducting ecological research or land use analysis.
Demonstrated understanding of California permitting processes, including Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act (e.g., Individual Permits, Nationwide Permit Program Pre‑construction Notifications, Regional General Permits), and Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code (e.g., Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements).
Experience conducting aquatic resource delineation surveys, applying delineation results to project impact assessments, and preparing permit applications.
California Rapid Assessment Method certification is preferred, but not required.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and multiple concurrent projects/tasks, working both in teams and independently.
Ability to excel in a fast paced, client service‑oriented team environment and proven ability to work across disciplines internally and externally.
Strong professional written and verbal communication skills.

What Can You Expect?

Highly supportive environment as part of multidisciplinary, collaborative teams.
Opportunities to help shape project outcomes through impact‑focused roles.
Strong emphasis on professional development for technical and leadership growth.
Opportunities for client and agency interaction, helping to guide key decision makers.
Culture of flexibility and accountability with an emphasis on work‑life balance.

Additional Information
We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA is committed to a diverse, multicultural work environment. Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.


Salary and Other Compensation

Salary: $81,000-$91,000