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Julia, Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning: Advize Career Interview
A recent UC Davis graduate's journey from student environmental commissioner to Environmental Planner III at Helix Environmental Planning reveals a dynamic career path in environmental consulting.
The work involves preparing crucial environmental compliance documents under CEQA and NEPA for diverse projects, ranging from residential developments to rural broadband expansion.
A typical day balances project prioritization, technical study review, and constant communication with clients and colleagues, demanding adaptability and strong communication skills.
Success in this field requires continuous learning to navigate evolving regulations, but offers rewarding opportunities to make a positive societal impact while working on a variety of projects.
Entry-level positions exist, offering on-the-job training and mentorship for career growth.
A willingness to ask questions and align personal passions with professional goals are key factors in this exciting, fast-paced, and impactful field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Julia Pano
Environmental Planner III
HELIX Environmental Planning
University of California, Davis
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Professional Services
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
None Applicable
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Career Path of an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning
Julia's career path began with extensive involvement in environmental organizations at UC Davis, including serving as a commissioner on the Environmental Planning and Policy Commission where they "researched environmental issues and drafted legislation," skills directly applicable to their current role as an Environmental Planner III at Helix Environmental Planning. Immediately upon graduating in 2021, Julia joined Helix, progressing from Environmental Planner I to their current position, leveraging their diverse campus experiences in research, collaboration, and student advocacy to excel in their professional work.
Main Responsibilities of an Environmental Planner at HELIX Environmental Planning
As an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning, Julia's main responsibilities include preparing "California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Compliance documents" for diverse clients, ranging from public agencies to private developers. This involves managing multiple document types, conducting technical studies using modeling software, and coordinating with internal teams and clients to ensure projects are completed "accurately, efficiently, and within the desired cost and timeframe," showcasing a rapid career progression with varied project experience across California in just three years.
A Day in the Life of an Environmental Planner at HELIX Environmental Planning
A day for Julia, an Environmental Planner III at HELIX, involves prioritizing projects based on "timeline, budget, and what is needed," reviewing technical studies like "biological resources assessments" and drafting compliance documents. The role demands constant communication with internal teams and clients, proactive problem-solving ("challenges could include having limited project information"), and meticulous self-management of workload, time, and budget within a fully remote environment.
Most Important Skills for an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning
Julia, an Environmental Planner III at HELIX, emphasizes the importance of strong communication, both internally within the team and externally with clients, to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines. Adaptability is also crucial, as Julia notes the need to adjust to "diverse client needs or the constant changing of legal state or federal environmental regulations," highlighting the dynamic nature of the work.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Environmental Planner III At HELIX Environmental Planning
Julia, an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning, most enjoys the "wide variety of projects" she works on, ranging from residential developments to expanding broadband access in rural California, finding it "super rewarding to work on a project that helps people." The collaborative team environment at HELIX, with its diverse expertise and supportive communication, further enhances her job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges For An Environmental Planner At HELIX Environmental Planning
Julia's biggest challenge as an Environmental Planner III is navigating "quickly evolving environmental regulations" across multiple jurisdictions, requiring careful balancing of compliance with client needs and project changes. This necessitates detailed report preparation, including various environmental documents like EIRs and NEPA documents, and collaboration with a team to ensure high-quality work within budget and timelines.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Environmental Consulting Industry as an Environmental Planner
Julia, an Environmental Planner III, finds the collaborative nature of the environmental consulting industry most rewarding, citing "the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and society" through tackling complex challenges and finding creative solutions. The continuous learning, fostered by engaging with colleagues and staying abreast of current trends in CEQA and NEPA, alongside career growth opportunities in project management and technical writing, further enhances the experience.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Environmental Planning Industry According To An Environmental Planner At HELIX Environmental Planning
Success in environmental planning requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills, a necessity for conveying "complex information clearly" and finding "practical solutions to more complex environmental problems." Continuous learning is also crucial, given the evolving regulatory landscape and the resources available for professional development, such as "internal training sessions" and industry conferences.
What an Environmental Planner at HELIX Environmental Planning Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Environmental Consulting Industry
Julia, an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning, found the diversity of projects a surprising and exciting aspect of the job, working on "residential, commercial, industrial, public infrastructure," across various California counties. This variety, combined with the need to navigate differing environmental regulations and stakeholder perspectives, provided continuous learning experiences shaping their professional development.
Entry-level Environmental Planner Roles at HELIX Environmental
Julia, an Environmental Planner III at Helix Environmental Planning, started as an "environmental planner one right out of college," gaining experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance through on-the-job training, mentorship, and professional workshops. This progression, coupled with increasing responsibilities and opportunities to learn from peers, showcases a clear career path for entry-level environmental planning positions.
Significant Career Lesson From An Environmental Planner At HELIX Environmental Planning
Julia, an Environmental Planner III at HELIX Environmental Planning, emphasizes that "no question is a dumb question," a lesson crucial to her career success. This proactive approach, supported by HELIX's culture of learning and diverse expertise, allows for high-quality work, efficient project management, and continuous professional growth through training opportunities in areas like NEPA compliance and emissions modeling.
College Experiences That Helped an Environmental Planner at HELIX Environmental Planning Succeed
Julia's career path, beginning as a neurobiology major, highlights the importance of exploring different fields; a course on the California Environmental Quality Act sparked their interest in environmental consulting. The experience emphasizes the value of internships to develop collaborative skills and the importance of aligning professional goals with personal passions, stating that "being passionate and excited to learn...doesn't go unnoticed by an employer."
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