Environmental Planner III

Location(s): Pasadena
Practice/Department: CEQA/NEPA  
Work Environment: Hybrid
Compensation: $82,000-$100,000 annually* 

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

Dudek is seeking an experienced Environmental Planner III to support and lead environmental planning and review efforts for a variety of projects requiring compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In this role, you will contribute technical expertise and project leadership across all phases of environmental review, helping project teams navigate regulatory requirements, evaluate environmental impacts, and move projects forward successfully.
The Environmental Planner III works closely with project managers, multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to deliver high-quality environmental documents and planning solutions. This role also provides mentorship and guidance to junior staff while supporting collaboration, technical excellence, and consistent project delivery within Dudek’s team-oriented consulting environment.

Duties and Responsibilities  

Environmental Review and Analysis

• Leads and manages the preparation of mid- to high-level environmental documents for CEQA and NEPA compliance, including environmental impact reports (EIRs), environmental impact statements (EISs), and mitigated negative declarations (MNDs), ensuring they meet regulatory standards and client expectations.
  Regulatory Compliance and Strategy
• Ensures complex projects adhere to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other relevant laws.
• Provides strategic guidance to clients and project teams on environmental compliance and risk mitigation.
  Public Outreach and Communication
• Leads public outreach efforts, prepare materials for public meetings, and effectively communicates with regulatory agencies, community members and the public.
• Represents the company in public forums, addressing concerns and providing expert testimony as needed.
  Report Preparation and Review
• Oversees the preparation of technical reports, environmental assessments, and findings related to the environmental impacts of projects.
• Reviews and ensures the accuracy and quality of work produced by junior staff, providing guidance and recommendations.
  Collaboration and Team Leadership
• Leads interdisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, biologists, and other professionals, ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into all aspects of project planning, design, and implementation.
• Mentors and provides professional development opportunities for junior and mid-level staff.
  Project Management and Client Relations
• Manages and oversees multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, and other community members ensuring successful project execution and fostering strong working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications 

• 6+ years’ in the preparation of environmental analysis on documents such as initial studies, MNDs, and EIR sections; Increasing autonomous project manager support.
• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Ecology, Natural Resource Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Environmental Planning, or related field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Environmental Planning, or related field.
• Extensive experience preparing and managing CEQA and NEPA documentation, including complex EIRs, EISs, and MNDs.
• Proven expertise in regulatory compliance and risk management for large-scale development projects.
• Advanced skills in environmental data collection, analysis, and impact assessment, with experience in applying tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other relevant software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to clients, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• In-depth knowledge of California’s environmental laws, regulations, and permitting processes, as well as familiarity with local, state, and federal agencies involved in environmental review.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage projects, and mentor staff while fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Participation in professional organizations, such as Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP), American
• Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, etc. or other relevant credentials.
• Professional certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Certified Environmental Planner (CEP).

Compensation: $82,000-$100,000 annually* 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 

• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 

• Attending meetings, both in person and virtually, and speaking on the phone with peers, clients, etc.  
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Connect with us! 

💼LinkedIn 

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▶️YouTube 

🤝Dudek Talent Community 

Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.