CDM Smith

Environmental Planner (CEQA/NEPA Specialist)

CDM Smith$90K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field.
  • 7 years of relevant experience with Bachelor's degree or 6 years with Master's degree.
  • AICP, PTP, PE, CEP, or similar certification preferred.
  • Expertise in CEQA and NEPA documentation.
  • Experience with transit and aviation projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex environmental data analysis for impact assessments.
  • Oversee investigations and surveys for land use and infrastructure projects.
  • Mentor junior staff and review subconsultant work for quality assurance.
  • Develop CEQA/NEPA documentation including EIRs and environmental assessments.
  • Collaborate with engineers and clients to solve compliance challenges.
  • Manage workflow and ensure timely deliverables.
  • Engage stakeholders and support public outreach initiatives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with flexibility in location.
  • Professional development opportunities through mentorship and collaboration.
  • Engagement in diverse projects that shape community and environmental impacts.
  • Support for public outreach initiatives to connect with communities.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Drive Meaningful Environmental Change Through Impactful Projects
With a high degree of autonomy, you will lead the collection, synthesis, and analysis of complex environmental data to support critical impact assessments under CEQA and NEPA-helping shape responsible development across diverse projects.
You'll tackle analyses ranging from foundational to highly complex, contributing to environmental documents, technical studies, and strategic plans that influence real-world outcomes. As a trusted expert, you'll review and elevate the work of junior staff and subconsultants, ensuring high-quality, actionable deliverables.
In this role, you'll get out in the field and into the data, overseeing or conducting investigations, surveys, and research to evaluate the environmental footprint of proposed land use and infrastructure projects. You'll work closely with engineers, designers, and clients, solving complex challenges and driving innovative, compliant solutions.
You'll play a key role in navigating environmental regulations, reviewing land use plans for alignment with local, state, and federal laws-and helping teams proactively address compliance risks.
As a core contributor, you'll create and shape CEQA/NEPA documentation, including EIRs, EISs, Environmental Assessments, technical appendices, and categorical exemptions-turning technical insights into clear, compelling reports that guide decision-making.
Beyond technical work, you'll engage with communities and stakeholders, supporting public outreach efforts through presentations, workshops, and informational materials that bring projects to life.
You'll also:

Partner with project leadership to manage workflow, quality, and deliverables
Mentor and develop junior staff, building the next generation of environmental professionals
Collaborate on proposals and client pursuits, helping win impactful work
Advise clients directly on their evolving CEQA/NEPA compliance needs

This is a highly collaborative role where you'll blend science, policy, and strategy-making a tangible impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. AICP, PTP, PE, CEP or approved certification in a related field. Or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban, Community or Regional Planning or related discipline. 7 years of related experience with bachelors degree or 6 years of experience with Masters degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

*Expertise in writing CEQA and NEPA documents for a variety of agencies and project types and sizes.
*Transit and Aviation CEQA/NEPA experience.

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Skills and Abilities

*Expert knowledge of principles and methods for completing environmental impact assessments of land use and infrastructure projects and regulatory programs in compliance with CEQA and NEPA.
*Expert knowledge of laws, legal codes, court precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the public involvement process.
*Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, such as models used to evaluate impacts to air quality, transportation, and noise.
*Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional Pay Range Information

The pay range for this position is listed above. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position based on the geographic location assigned to the position. Please note that pay ranges vary based on geographic location. In addition to geographic location, the company considers several other factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, the candidate's work experience, education/training and key skills.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

About CDM Smith

CDM Smith is an engineering and construction company that provides a wide range of services to clients in the public and private sectors. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. CDM Smith offers services in areas such as water resources, transportation, environmental engineering, and more. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. CDM Smith has offices throughout the United States and around the world.
Learn more about CDM Smith
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1986

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