Environmental Specialist

Description

Looking to make a measurable impact on California’s environment while growing your technical expertise? HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking a motivated early career Environmental Specialist to join our NorCal Environmental Planning Group. If air quality, climate change, and noise analysis excite you—and you want hands-on experience with meaningful projects—this Environmental Specialist role is your opportunity to grow with purpose.

Why HELIX?

At HELIX, we pair technical excellence with a people-first culture. Our teams work on complex, high-impact projects while supporting professional development, collaboration, and mentorship. This Environmental Specialist position offers a hybrid schedule, with at least three days per week in the office to support training, teamwork, and career growth. You’ll be part of a collaborative NorCal EPG team, primarily supporting projects in the Sacramento region.

Day in the Life

As an Environmental Specialist, your days will include running air quality and noise models, interpreting regulatory guidance, collaborating with planners and engineers, and contributing to CEQA/NEPA documents. You’ll balance focused technical work with team coordination and see how your analyses directly shape real-world projects.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct air quality, GHG, energy, and noise modeling and analysis as an Environmental Specialist
• Prepare technical reports and environmental document sections (IS/MNDs, EIRs, EISs, EAs)
• Apply tools such as CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, and FHWA TNM
• Evaluate impacts and determine significance under CEQA and NEPA
• Develop mitigation measures and support alternatives analysis
• Coordinate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Respond to agency and public comments with clear technical support
• Maintain quality control and regulatory compliance in all deliverables

Pay Range: $28–$36 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Ready to grow your career as an Environmental Specialist? Join HELIX and contribute to projects that shape healthier, more sustainable communities. Apply today and take the next step with a team that values your expertise and potential.

HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

PM21

Requirements

 Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, or related field
• We will consider those just graduating up to 4 years of experience supporting CEQA/NEPA air quality, GHG, or noise studies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Excel
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills

Preferred Requirements

• Working knowledge of California and federal air quality, GHG, and noise regulations
• Experience with CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, HARP, and advanced noise modeling tools
• Experience preparing CEQA/NEPA environmental documents
• Master’s or PhD in a related field