Environmental and Land Use Planner/Biologist III – Senior
Are you seeking an opportunity to join a collaborative and high-performing team where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is supported?
Sonoran Land Resources, LLC is a land services firm established in 2017, specializing in right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for infrastructure projects. Backed by over 30 years of combined experience in both the private and public sectors, our team delivers comprehensive land development and environmental planning solutions. We are currently seeking an experienced Environmental and Land Use Planner (ELUP) with a strong background in biology to join our growing team.
Position Summary
The Environmental and Land Use Planner (ELUP) works under the direction of the Environmental and Land Use Planning Manager and is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and securing necessary approvals for infrastructure projects. This role supports projects across energy, utilities, transportation, telecommunications, and land development sectors, and requires coordination with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct field surveys, data collection, and ecological assessments
- Perform pre-construction wildlife and habitat evaluations, including jurisdictional waters and wetlands delineations
- Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements
- Prepare documentation for Section 7 and Section 10 consultations
- Develop Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations
- Analyze land surveys, land use plans, engineering designs, and environmental and cultural resource reports to assess project impacts
- Prepare and process permitting and regulatory compliance documentation at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels
- Conduct National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses, including preparation of Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
- Support the development of environmental mitigation and conservation strategies
- Coordinate and participate in stakeholder and public engagement efforts, including meetings and presentations
- Manage assigned project scopes, schedules, and budgets
- Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field required
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience; or
- Minimum of 3 years of experience with a Master’s degree in a related field
Required Skills and Competencies
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and science-based decision-making
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental and land use regulations
- Strong understanding of environmental analysis principles and methodologies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, agencies, and stakeholders
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, land surveys, and legal descriptions
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with regulatory agencies in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and/or Utah
- Proficiency in ArcGIS
- Experience supporting linear utility or infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with multi-agency coordination processes
- Experience working with tribal governments and communities
- Background in developing scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and proposals
Compensation and Benefits
Sonoran Land Resources offers a collaborative, entrepreneurial work environment that supports professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid gym membership
- Company-provided cell phone
- Employer-sponsored training and development
- Annual bonus potential
- Paid time off and 8 paid holidays
- Flexible work schedules and telecommuting opportunities
- 401(k) plan with employer match up to 3%
Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tucson, AZ 85710
