CEQA Project Manager

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Job Description

AECOM has an exciting opportunity for a CEQA Project Manager in San Diego, CA to manage and oversee compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for School District capital improvement and facilities projects. This role serves as the District’s subject-matter expert for environmental review, ensuring projects are planned, reviewed, documented, and approved in accordance with CEQA statutes, guidelines, and case law. The position integrates CEQA compliance into overall project management, coordinates consultants and agencies, supports decision-makers through defensible environmental documentation, and will work closely with the District's Legal Department for compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• CEQA Compliance and Environmental Review
  • Understand and implement District's CEQA Handbook
  • Serve as the Lead Agency CEQA project manager for all District projects
  • Determine whether proposed activities constitute a “project” under CEQA and identify the appropriate level of environmental review.
  • Evaluate applicability of statutory and categorical exemptions and prepare Notices of Exemption (NOEs).
  • Direct preparation and review of Initial Studies, Negative Declarations (NDs), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), and subsequent CEQA documents.
  • Apply the fair argument standard and substantial and substantial evidence test to determine environmental significance.
  • Assist various departments in preparing CEQA compliance documents and integrating findings into Board Item Agendas.
  • Filing of CEQA determinations with the County of San Diego Clerk Recorder.
• Program EIR and Tiering
  • Administer and implement tiering from the District’s Program EIR (PEIR).
  • Prepare and oversee Findings of Consistency, Addenda, Supplemental EIRs, Subsequent EIRs, and Subsequent MNDs as appropriate.
  • Evaluate whether projects fall within the scope of previously certified CEQA documents under CEQA Guidelines §15162 and §15168.
• Consultant and Project Coordination
  • Procure, manage, and coordinate CEQA consultants and technical specialist for mitigation monitoring (Tribal, Archeological, Paleontological, Biological, etc.).
  • Integrate CEQA schedules with overall project timelines and Board approval milestones.
  • Ensure early involvement of environmental analysis in project planning and design to avoid or reduce impacts.
  • Review and process technical consultant proposals, contract NTPs, and invoicing.
• Mitigation and Monitoring
  • Develop and implement Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs).
  • Ensure mitigation measures are incorporated into project design, construction, and operations.
  • Track compliance with adopted mitigation measures through project completion.
  • Coordination with contractors, construction managers, and project managers to ensure District complies with mitigation requirements, including field monitoring activities.
• Public Process and Agency Coordination
  • Coordinate CEQA public noticing, circulation, and comment response processes.
  • Organize and participate in public meetings, scoping meetings, and hearings as required.
  • Coordinate with Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, and local jurisdictions.
• Administrative Record and Legal Defensibility
  • Maintain complete and well-documented CEQA administrative records.
  • Ensure CEQA findings, statements of overriding considerations, and determinations are legally defensible.
  • Support legal counsel in responding to CEQA challenges or litigation.
• Advisory and Training Role
  • Advise District staff, leadership, and the Board on CEQA requirements and risks.
  • Provide guidance and training to project managers and departments on CEQA processes and compliance.
  • Serve as the internal point of contact for CEQA interpretation and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental project management or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of CEQA regulations, compliance, and technical document.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.

• Sponsorship is not available for this position

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.