Assistant Staff Environmental Planner

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Assistant Staff Environmental Planner to join our expanding environmental planning practice in Houston, TX. In this role, you will support natural resources evaluation and impact assessment as well as a broad range of planning and permitting activities including critical issues analyses and reviewing federal, state, and local regulations.

This is a full-time, hourly, regular (with benefits) position based out of our Houston, TX office location. Houston-area “hub” employees are preferred though the flexibility of a hybrid work environment can be discussed. Remote (= distributed) work environments will only be considered for highly qualified candidates not local to Houston; however, candidates located near the area are preferred.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to support project delivery and contribute to high quality environmental outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to build foundational technical skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow your career in environmental consulting.

Application Deadline : Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. Applications will be accepted through 9.22/2026 at 5:00 PM CDT .

What you will accomplish

- Assists in the development of planning documents to evaluate the potential impacts of proposed projects on natural and human environments. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

- Prepares draft sections of reports for planning documents, including environmental impact reports, technical studies, and mitigation plans.

- Assists in the gathering and analysis of data related to air quality, noise, biological resources, and cultural resources to support environmental planning efforts. Contributes to analyses on projects of lesser complexity.

- Attends meetings with clients and regulatory agencies to discuss project objectives, requirements, and compliance strategies. Primary duties might include assisting with meeting logistics, scheduling, and preparing materials (with oversight), as well as notetaking.

- Helps facilitate stakeholder collaboration by assisting managers to organize meetings, workshops, and public hearings to gather community input.

- Coordinates technical reviews of environmental documents and assessments to ensure accuracy and completeness.

- Offers alternatives and solutions to address environmental and community planning challenges, promoting sustainable and compliant project outcomes.

- Supports multidisciplinary planning and permitting activities by coordinating with various technical experts and project teams.

- Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.

- Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

- Supports preparation of Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), and other NEPA documentation.

- Assists with environmental permitting and preparation of technical reports supporting compliance with NEPA, CWA, ESA, and related regulations.

- Participates in public scoping, stakeholder engagement, and other environmental review processes as needed

Minimum Qualifications

One year of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.

Experience and qualifications for success

- A bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or other related field, or equivalent experience.

- One (1) year of environmental planning or consulting experience including a range of environmental compliance projects; supporting project teams; assisting with the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents; or equivalent.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; attention to detail; and the ability to work on schedule

- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including an ability to work on more than one project at a time.

- Good organizational and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Power Point).

- Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle to travel to office, project sites and meetings.

- A working knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA.

Preferred or helpful qualifications :

- One (1) year working as an environmental consultant or relevant environmental experience.

- Ability to gauge project workload and manage priorities while working on multiple projects and programs, in diverse settings and with changing requirements.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment, and a desire to work in a highly collaborative team atmosphere.

- Willingness to perform under pressure with schedule constraints.

- Willingness to work with peers across various offices and accomplish tasks associated with a variety of projects in any given week

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Houston, TX-based position is $23.37 per hour to $29.49 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected] or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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