careers
Senior Technical Specialist
Impact Sciences is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist to lead in the preparation of air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), and noise and vibration analyses related to CEQA/NEPA implementation. We are looking for individuals with a minimum of 10+ years of technical experience and familiarity with CEQA and/or NEPA. Professional experience should include the ability to independently conduct environmental air quality, GHG, and / or noise/vibration impact assessments related to CEQA/NEPA implementation.
Primary Responsibilities
- Evaluating air quality, GHG, and noise and vibration impacts and preparation of technical reports in support of CEQA and NEPA documentation for various public and private projects, including mixed use development projects, transportation infrastructure, institutional, recreation, and specific plans
- Researching and interpreting air quality, climate change, and noise/vibration legislation and policy
- Solving quantitative and qualitative problems
- Preparing scopes of work for proposals
- Coordination with project managers on schedules and budgets
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in Environmental or other Earth Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related subjects
- Experience independently conducting and managing air quality, GHG, and noise/vibration modeling and technical reporting pursuant to CEQA/NEPA
- Experience preparing health risk assessments
- Experience evaluating impacts associated with transportation and housing projects in California
- Understanding of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) environmental practices and requirements
- Expert knowledge, understanding, and experience with noise and vibration computer modeling software, including TNM and RCNM
- Expert knowledge, understanding and experience with air quality and climate change computer modeling software and methods (EMFAC, CT-EMFAC, CalEEMod, CALINE-4, AERMOD, HARP, CAL3QHCR, ISCST3, OFFROAD, MOVES, CMAQ, etc.)
- Expert knowledge, understanding, and experience with state and federal air quality, GHG, and noise/vibration environmental case law, policy, and regulation (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, FHWA, OSHA, Caltrans, CARB, SCAQMD, Clean Air Act, AB32, SB 32, and OEHHA)
Major Milestones
Day 1
- Complete new hire onboarding training.
First 2 Weeks
- Work with supervisor to identify and understand project needs and prioritize deadlines accordingly with a keen focus on deliverables that require the most time and effort to complete.
- Comfortably navigate internal communication/planning systems, company/project protocols, and project data and tools for preparing technical studies.
30 Days
- Demonstrate ability to complete standard technical services deliverables and review project needs with some oversight from senior staff to establish clear understanding of in-house standards and practices unique to Impact Sciences.
- Develop a presence on the internal task management tool (com) and use the system to coordinate with staff on technical services needs.
90 days
- Successfully complete 90-day probationary period and participate in self-evaluation discussion with supervisor to assess performance achievements, areas for improvement, goals, and expectations.
- Lead and manage standard air quality and noise technical reports (e.g., CalEEMod and RCNM) and gather all associated data with minimal senior oversight.
- Scope projects for business development proposals, have a clear understanding of relevant qualifications and project experience, and prepare proposals and cost estimates for technical services.
6-12 months
- Demonstrate ability to interface with clients, act as a day-to-day contact person for technical issues, and have external contact with project teams and agencies.
- Lead and manage standard air quality and noise technical reports (e.g., CalEEMod and RCNM) with minimal or no oversight from senior staff. Demonstrate ability to prepare more complex, unique technical reports (e.g., construction or operational health risk assessments and dispersion modeling).
- Lead at least one internal professional development session on a CEQA-related technical topic, as deemed appropriate by supervisor.
Professional Skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
- Strong quantitative and/or modeling skills are a must
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must be an organized, detail-oriented manager with ability to multi-task and prioritize projects on tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently and as a team
- Sound business ethic
Benefits
Impact Sciences offers a competitive salary and benefits package; medical, vision, and dental insurance; 401k matching program; a collaborative work environment; and a remote-working option.
Salary Range
$100,000-140,000 depending on qualifications and experience
Planner / Senior Planner
Impact Sciences is seeking a Planner or Senior Planner for our Los Angeles office, with the option to work remotely if desired. An ideal candidate must have 5 years of experience (Planner) to 7+ years of experience (Senior Planner) and demonstrates mastery of CEQA/NEPA analysis.
Core Responsibilities
With minimal supervision from the Principal, the Planner will have the following duties:
- Serve as a Deputy Project Manager or Task Manager on projects of basic, moderate, and advanced complexity.
- Complete Environmental Impact Report (EIR) sections independently.
- Review subconsultant technical reports and client information to identify relevant information.
- Coordinate task delivery, handle logistics, disseminate and maintain project related information and resources.
- Prepare or direct project research and analysis.
- Demonstrate solid writing skills, contributing to complex environmental reports.
- Conduct complex research and analysis, such as demographic information.
- Use critical thinking to identify project impacts and appropriate mitigation measures.
- Support or lead public outreach efforts related to environmental review.
- Demonstrate thorough understanding and expertise with Impact Sciences’ management tools (Deltek Vantagepoint and Monday.com)
Additional Senior Planner Responsibilities
- Serve as a point person for client questions and lead client meetings.
- Provide mentorship and support to junior staff, including review of work for accuracy and clarity, providing constructive feedback and career development guidance.
- Oversee budget tracking and scheduling and deliver project assignments on time and within budget.
- Assist in marketing, including thorough preparation of scope and budgets for proposals.
Qualifications
Ideal candidates possess effective problem-solving ability and exceptional writing and editing capabilities as well as experience working with public- and private-sector clients in a private consulting firm environment. Mastery of CEQA and NEPA compliance is mandatory. Qualified candidates should have at least a B.A./B.S. in a related discipline and a minimum of 5-7 years of experience or a master’s degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience.
Major Milestones
First Week
- Familiarize self with existing projects and format of documents as well as current markets.
2nd Week
- Review master schedule of projects.
- Shadow Principals and/or Project Manager to familiarize self with project staff, schedules, and upcoming deliverables.
- Demonstrate comfortability navigating internal communication/planning systems and company/project protocols.
30 Days
- Navigate and utilize Deltek Vantagepoint and review project invoices to understand budgets (Senior Planner only).
- Contact existing clients (through emails/call) to understand projects.
60 Days
- Attend a kickoff or debrief meeting to understand common project challenges.
- Prepare a schedule and budget and review contract deliverables (Senior Planner only).
6-12 months
- Demonstrate ability to lead client meetings and manage client relationships.
- Coordinate with planners and technical staff on analytical approach.
- Manage progressively more complex projects with minimal supervision.
- Lead one internal CEQA workshop.
Benefits
Impact Sciences offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans. Impact Sciences is also committed to diversity, wellness, and work-life balance. Based in our downtown Los Angeles headquarters, this position is remote optional.
Salary Range
$85,000 – 120,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Project Manager / Senior Project Manager
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a group of clients that rave about you? Are you tired of working in a corporate culture? Impact Sciences is specifically seeking a Project Manager / Senior Project Manager for our Los Angeles office, with the option to work remotely if desired. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing CEQA projects for public- and private-sector clients and an excellent reputation for maintaining and building client relationships.
Core Responsibilities
An ideal candidate must have 7 years of experience (Project Manager) to 10+ years of experience (Senior Planner) and demonstrates mastery of CEQA/NEPA analysis. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the oversight of CEQA projects; supervision and mentoring of staff; preparation and review of proposals, cost estimates and reports. Responsibilities include preparing documentation for a wide range of development projects and plans. An ideal candidate must possess effective problem-solving ability, exceptional writing and editing capabilities as well as experience working with public and private clients in a private consulting firm. Strong knowledge of and experience with CEQA compliance is a must.
This is a leadership position and one that we expect to be a long-term partnership. The three most important functions of this position include:
- Managing time (your own and junior staff), budgets and project schedules
- Developing and maintaining client relationships
- Ability to critically review CEQA documents and supporting technical reports
The ideal candidate should also have experience dealing with shifting deadlines, client demands, working on multiple projects, working within budgets and creating a cohesive document.
Capabilities
- Must be able to shift rapidly from project to project (adaptability).
- Problem solving skills are a must, including the ability to discern which issues need to be elevated to the Managing Principal and which can be resolved without assistance.
- Attention to detail as demonstrated by the ability to review technical reports is also critical.
- Experience preparing CEQA documents for large plans and/or tiered documents is desirable.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in the CEQA field.
Major Milestones
First Week
- Familiarize self with existing projects and format of documents as well as current markets
2nd Week
- Has reviewed master schedule
- Shadow Principals to familiarize self with project staff, schedules and upcoming deliverables
- Comfortable navigating internal communication/planning systems and company/project protocols
30 Days
- Able to navigate and utilize Vision Deltek and has reviewed project invoices to understand budgets
- Has contacted existing clients (through emails/call) to understand projects
60 Days
- Has attended a kickoff or debrief meeting to understand common project challenges
- Has prepared a schedule and budget, reviewed contract deliverables
6-12 months
- Manages client relationships, works with planners and technical staff on analytical approach
- Building new client relationships and targeting annual revenue goal
- Manages progressively more complex projects
- Leads one CEQA workshop (internal)
Benefits
Impact Sciences offers competitive salaries and generous benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement and financial, wellness and other work/life plans. Impact Sciences is also committed to diversity, wellness, and work-life balance. Based in our downtown Los Angeles headquarters, this position is remote optional.
Salary Range
$90,000 – $140,000 depending on experience and qualifications
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- Remote Work Options
- Group Health Care Coverage (PPO and HMO options) including: Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Discretionary Profit Sharing and Bonuses
- Employee-Assistance Program
- Group Basic Term Life Insurance, Group Long-Term Disability Coverage, and Voluntary Life Insurance
- Paid-Time Off, including Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Floating Holidays, and Holidays
- 401(K) and Roth 401(k) options with 3% company match
Interested in joining our team? Submit your resume via email to careers@impactsciences.com.
Impact Sciences is a growing company seeking professionals to further our vision and mission. We actively promote diversity and inclusivity within our workplace and through our actions. Interest/experience in sustainability, environmental and social justice is preferred but not required.
Brett Pomeroy, Associate Principal, has more than 17 years of professional experience in the environmental planning field with an emphasis in environmental compliance pursuant to CEQA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Brett possesses a strong technical background and has provided quantitative analytical modeling support for air quality, GHG, health risk assessments, noise and vibration, and shade/shadow impact analyses for several complex and multi -faceted projects using industry accepted modeling software. Specifically, Brett has experience with AERMOD and ISC air dispersion modeling systems, CalEEMod, URBEMIS, CALINE4-based model, noise modeling based on the Federal Highway Administration’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM), and the Amethyst Shadow Calculator. In addition to providing technical support, Brett conducts environmental analyses for a wide array of environmental issues, conducting land use surveys, ambient noise monitoring, site photography, general environmental research and document management. Brett’s experience includes preparing and managing environmental documentation for both private- and public-sector clients. He has provided environmental analyses to support several types of environmental documents including Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations (NDs), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Programs (MMRPs), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), and addendums.
Kara Yates Hines, Director of Operations and Publications Manager, leads operations at Impact Sciences and oversees the production and publication of all environmental documents. She has more than 14 years of combined experience in publishing, quality control coordination, science and public health technical writing and editorial review, and digital marketing methodologies. As the primary manager for document production, Kara implements the firm’s operational processes and manages the document publishing flow, including QA/QC review, graphic design, formatting, and visual layout. She leads in-house production of CEQA/NEPA reports, including booklet assembly and digital productions. With a unique understanding of both the CEQA review process and best practices in publishing technically complex documents, Kara ensures the firm’s environmental reports are publicly accessible, easy to read and understand, well organized, and visually appealing. Kara has a masters degree in Publishing from The George Washington University and a bachelors degree in English from Spelman College. She is a member of the Association of Environmental Planners (Los Angeles Chapter).
Martha Lira, Chief Financial Officer, oversees all aspects of Impact Sciences’ finances, including the development and management of budgets, preparation of financial statements, and all other financial reporting to the firm’s Chief Operating Officer. Martha brings to Impact Sciences over 25 years of business management experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining Impact Sciences, Martha worked for a women-owned CPA firm as a staff accountant, managing small business accounts and tax filing requirements.
Lynn Kaufman, Associate Principal, has more than 25 years of experience in both the management and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for clients in both the public and private sector. Ms. Kaufman has written numerous CEQA analyses for high profile and environmentally sensitive projects in both urban and rural settings, and acts as a day-to-day contact for in-house and agency staff, subconsultants, and applicants, providing valuable insight to identify environmental constraints and feasible mitigation measures.
Douglas Kim, AICP, Managing Principal, oversees Northern California environmental services for Impact Sciences. His 30-year career includes political, policy, and technical expertise in transportation, air quality, and land use planning. Mr. Kim has prepared and reviewed CEQA and NEPA documents for land use and transportation projects and authored guidance documents on how to perform air quality analyses for two air pollution control districts. He has performed noise, vibration, climate change, and traffic impact analyses for over 100 CEQA environmental analyses throughout California. Mr. Kim has developed long- and short-range multi-modal transportation plans, including performing alternatives analyses, and managing technical modeling. He has managed preparation of air quality plans, developed air quality regulations, climate action plans, and performed air quality analysis and dispersion modeling for land use plans and development projects throughout the state.
John R. Anderson, M.A., M.Phil., is Associate Principal for the Northern California-Oakland office. With more than 30 years of experience, John brings to Impact Sciences extensive knowledge of the regulatory, environmental health and safety, and environmental planning industries. He has a long track record for managing large environmental programs and projects across North America. Most recently, John has focused his attention on the Corrections, Education, Energy and Water planning and compliance markets. In California, he has managed the Environmental Planning Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District; prepared Program EIRs for various water authorities and school districts; performed due diligence for public and private sector clients in real estate and corporate acquisitions; and has been retained as an expert witness in relation to school, transportation, and remediation projects. John has a seasoned familiarity with project management, staff development, and financial and administrative management. He’s provided strategic leadership for projects in the areas of CEQA/NEPA environmental impact reporting, risk management, preliminary endangerment assessments, Phase I and follow-on invasive site investigations, litigation support, QA/QC programs, public participation programs, and site safety programs. Impact Sciences is proud to have John as a vital member of our firm.
Jessica Kirchner, AICP, President, also serves as the Managing Principal for the firm. Jessica’s corporate responsibilities include contract compliance and financial management with an eye toward strategic growth. Jessica has more than two decades of project work in CEQA/NEPA compliance and places an emphasis on meeting client needs and providing real-world solutions to common CEQA pitfalls. A hands-on owner, Jessica frequently serves in multiple roles on projects, including contract and project manager, as well as conducting and writing environmental analyses all while overseeing the firm’s most high-profile clients, revenue and growth of the firm. With a background in journalism, Jessica’s emphasis on clear, concise documents that are not overly complicated has become a company hallmark, along with the ability to deliver projects on unbelievably tight deadlines. She is highly skilled at taking technical documents and concepts and translating them into reader-friendly concepts.