Coastal Planner / Coastal Resilience Planner job at Rincon Consultants, Inc. Supports local coastal program (LCP) updates and amendments, coastal development permitting strategy, sea-level rise (SLR) vulnerability assessments, and shoreline management. Develops adaptation pathways and nature-based strategies to protect public access, habitats, and cultural resources. Strong technical analysis and data management skills, excellent communication and writing skills, and applied knowledge of coastal policy and California’s Coastal Act/LCP framework are required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Coastal Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Geomorphology, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Marine/Coastal Science, Coastal Economics, or related discipline.
- ~4 years of related experience in Coastal/Marine Science, Environmental Management, Coastal Economics, Climate Adaptation, Planning, or related discipline.
- Policy/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of the California Coastal Act, California Coastal Commission LCP guidance, and coastal resource protections (e.g., public access, ESHA, wetlands, visual resources, cultural resources).
- Coastal Resilience Skills: Experience with SLR vulnerability assessments, coastal hazards analysis, adaptation strategies (including nature-based solutions), and translating technical outputs into policy recommendations.
- Coastal Modeling: Experience using USGS CoSMoS (Coastal Storm Modeling System) to interpret coastal flooding, erosion, wave runup, groundwater rise, and storm scenario outputs for planning applications.
- Technical & Data Skills: Strong data management and analysis, ability to interpret scientific and technical data (e.g., sea-level rise models, coastal geomorphology data, habitat assessments), advanced Excel skills; python, familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) and interpreting modeling outputs (e.g., flood/erosion/groundwater interaction).
- Communication: Excellent technical writing, clear visual communication, and public presentation skills.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented; able to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams; eager to improve processes and workflows; comfortable interfacing with public agency staff and community stakeholders.
Benefits
- Generous benefits program
- Health coverage options
- Employer-sponsored insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Generous time off
- Programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement
