Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner based in San Francisco or Sacramento, California, Chicago, IL or Seattle, WA.

AECOM is searching for candidates that are proactive, strong communicators, and work well in a team environment. Candidate must be able to support complex planning studies in climate and flood resilience and have experience developing or implementing resilience solutions involving infrastructure, governance and/or policy strategies and solutions.

The selected candidate will join the Sustainability and Climate Group. The primary emphasis of the group is to promote resilience, socioeconomic, and environmental sustainability in urban design, city planning, and policy projects. This is accomplished through employing climate assessment, rigorous economic and strategic planning techniques, and developing innovative analytical approaches to provide solutions that deliver sustainability in varied domestic and international contexts.

Job Summary/Responsibilities:

The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planner will focus on climate adaptation and resilience planning primarily for local government and other public agencies, although experience with private sector is welcomed. Qualified candidates will have excellent technical, writing, and communication skills with a demonstrated professional consulting background in resilience and adaptation planning. Urban planning, or policy modeling/design also useful.

The candidate must have a demonstrated expertise in climate change impacts and vulnerability assessment and resilience and adaptation planning. Knowledge and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contribute or support the development or implementation of climate adaptation and resilience plans, strategies, and similar policy initiatives
• Develop or contribute to capacity building activities including developing decision-support tools, strategy development, and community engagement
• Prepare and/or review strategic plans, guidelines, reports, presentations, and tools to meet project needs
• Interpret and apply applicable local, regional, state, and federal climate adaptation and resilience guidance, policy, or regulations
• Contribute to and coordinate public engagement, stakeholder workshops, and other elements of the outreach and engagement process for planning documents and project approvals
• Consult with other professionals on technical aspects of project and program development
• Research and analyze data on climate, environmental conditions, demographic, and socio-economic factors
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resilience planning; strategy identification; risk assessment; climate hazards; federal/state funding mechanisms; federal and state climate, resilience, emergency management policies and programs, best practices, and standards
• Demonstrate strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Use GIS to analyze climate vulnerability and develop mapping products

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental or climate science, environmental policy, natural resources management, geography, or a closely related discipline plus 2 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university
• 3+ years’ professional experience in climate adaptation and resilience or a closely related discipline
• Recent experience consulting on climate change vulnerability and risk assessments that consider an array of climate impacts, including sea level rise, precipitation, and temperature, and development of adaptation strategies to reduce impacts
• Experience with GIS and other spatial analytical systems, highly desirable
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with other quantitative/statistical programs desirable
• Experience in related fields (land use planning, urban design, and transportation planning) is advantageous
• Excellent communication and writing skills; writing sample to be submitted with application
• 5+ years of experience at a planning consulting firm, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience contributing to projects, conducting analysis, and writing
• Excellent quantitative skills
• Detail-oriented: Strong sense of commitment, a willingness to learn more and a desire to work in a dynamic, deadline driven team environment

Relocation is not offered for this position.

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 2024. 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.