Senior Environmental Planner

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is an essential state agency dedicated to emergency management, homeland security, and disaster recovery in the state of California. Cal OES is committed to ensuring the safety and resilience of all communities throughout California by providing resources, coordination, and leadership in times of crisis. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, Cal OES empowers its workforce to deliver exceptional service through various programs aimed at efficient emergency response, hazard mitigation, and community recovery. Cal OES maintains collaborative partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring a unified approach to emergency operations and disaster recovery efforts.

Cal OES is currently seeking a Senior Environmental Planner for a 12-month Limited-Term, full-time position located in Orange County, California, with a hybrid telework schedule. The Senior Environmental Planner role is situated within the Recovery Directorate, which manages disaster recovery efforts and provides assistance to affected local governments, agricultural communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and special districts. The Recovery Directorate operates three key sections: Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination, addressing statewide recovery including complex environmental and historic preservation issues linked to disaster recovery.

The Senior Environmental Planner serves under the general direction of the Program Manager II and is responsible for implementing program objectives related to Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP). This role requires an expert who can independently conduct technical and procedural reviews of grant proposals to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations. The incumbent will review pending grant awards, document audit findings, and conduct final assessments during grant closeouts in coordination with recovery operations. Expertise in environmental mitigation strategies, historic preservation laws, and regulatory compliance is essential for addressing complex environmental issues during disaster recovery.

This position also involves leading training efforts for Cal OES staff and subrecipients while exercising discretion in oversight and coordination of various projects or programs to meet environmental compliance objectives. The Senior Environmental Planner acts as a liaison with government agencies and private sector stakeholders, evaluates program performance, and participates in compliance negotiations, policy implementation, and strategic planning for Cal OES’s Recovery Directorate. A significant part of this role requires frequent communication, both written and oral, and the ability to present recommendations clearly and convincingly.

Candidates should possess a comprehensive understanding of multiple environmental and historic preservation laws and protocols, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Familiarity with FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and experience working in emergency management or disaster recovery at various governmental levels are highly desirable. The ability to lead small teams, manage multiple competing priorities under pressure, and maintain strong organizational skills is critical for success.

Applicants for this role must meet the minimum qualifications specified in the Senior Environmental Planner classification, with additional desirable qualifications including leadership experience, technical writing and review skills, knowledge of wetland delineations and biological assessments, and proficiency in computer applications. Cal OES offers competitive state salaries ranging from $8,678 to $10,783 monthly, along with comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and disaster recovery efforts across California. This position may require occasional travel, irregular hours, and participation in emergency operations events as necessary.