Job description
Rincon Consultants, Inc is seeking an As-Needed Senior Planner to join our growing Community Planning team. In this position, you would be responsible for managing complex planning projects, including residential, commercial, mixed use, industrial, and agricultural development involving general plan, zoning text or map amendments, and subdivisions. The position will also support Rincon’s CEQA team through the analysis of environmental impacts resulting from current planning projects. The candidate must have advanced knowledge of land use/community planning and CEQA concepts, be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and be able to meet deadlines while managing multiple assignments. Previous consulting experience is a plus. This position allows you to work from any of our 13 office locations, and also provides the potential for a hybrid/remote work arrangement within California.
Overview of Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage large scale, complex, and controversial discretionary planning projects as an extension of local agency planning department staff
- Conduct research and prepare statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues
- Review development projects for compliance with zoning ordinances, State regulations including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and land use policies
- Interact with various members of public agency and private client staff on matters related to planning projects
- Prepare drafts of technical memoranda, reports, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials
- Make oral presentations concerning planning programs and development projects to Planning Commissions, City Councils, and other boards and commissions as required.
- Travel to, and present or facilitate evening meetings, including hearings and community workshops
- Assist with the preparation of all levels of CEQA/NEPA documents as needed
- Develop and implement work plans for complex projects and programs
- Provide supervision, guidance, and mentorship for other professional staff
- Promote a culture of teamwork, engagement, quality service, and customer satisfaction to our public and private clients
- Enhance Rincon’s professional reputation and demonstrate the ability to be creative and innovative with these tasks while representing Rincon in a professional manner
- Work closely with Rincon Principal(s) and Managers to promote our business interests in adherence with the company’s mission, vision, and values
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s)
This Job Might Be For You If You Have The Following:
- BA/BS degree or higher in urban planning, geography, or a related discipline; advanced (Masters) degree preferred
- 5+ years of related demonstrated experience in land use planning, land development/entitlements, urban design and/or environmental planning. Experience with California land use laws is a plus.
- Excellent organization, schedule, and budget management skills
- Experience reviewing and processing complex development projects for local agency planning departments
- Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning
- Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems
- Proficient with preparing development agreements and other contracts
- Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and manage complex projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Strong verbal communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
- Ability to cultivate working relationships with clients, community-based organizations, internal team members and other firms
- Excellent writing, formatting, and proofreading skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
- Experience with Adobe Acrobat and In-Design, and Geographic Information System mapping is a plus
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, proof of automobile insurance, and willingness to travel as projects require
Rincon Consultants is an award-winning leader in providing quality environmental consulting services throughout California and is recognized as a ‘Best Environmental Services Firm to Work For’ by the Zweig Group. We partner with clients in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, oil and gas, water, commercial, private development, and government. Our 500+ associates in 13 offices located in Northern, Central and Southern California are dedicated professionals.
The base salary range for this full-time position is $107,000–$1139,000, plus a generous benefits program. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. The base pay that is actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, providing our valued employees with many benefits to enhance their well-being and financial security. Our health benefits include a range of options such as HMO, PPO, HDHP, and Health Savings Account choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to select the plan that best suits your needs.
Additionally, you can enjoy peace of mind with employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. We prioritize your well-being by offering three weeks of vacation accrual in the first year, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, ensuring you have ample time off to rejuvenate. Planning for your future is made easier through our 401(k) / Profit Sharing Retirement Plan and bonus opportunities.
Beyond the essentials, Rincon recognizes the importance of personal and professional growth, that’s why we provide opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Our commitment extends to the community through Volunteer Pay for a Day, reinforcing the values of social responsibility. Moreover, we go the extra mile with additional perks like Flexible Spending & Dependent Care, Supplemental life insurance, Legal Shield, Identity Protection, Pet Insurance, and much more. Check out more details on our Rincon Consultants webpage here!
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.
Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.