Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist

Job Information

Job Category

Environmental

Company Name

HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC.

Position Level

Other

Job Description

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, employee-owned California-based environmental consulting and planning firm, is seeking a Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist to support the high-quality consultant team in our La Mesa, California, office.   HELIX offers environmental, biological, acoustical, air quality, cultural resources, and GIS services to both the public and private sectors.  Our Environmental Planning Group prepares environmental documentation for a wide range of projects including residential and mixed-use projects, educational facilities, recreational facilities, roadways, rail, airports, energy/utilities and water/wastewater facilities, commercial/industrial development, and military facilities. Why work at HELIX?
  • Employee-owned since 2004
  • Offers a hybrid work schedule with flexibility of working in-office and remotely
  • Invested in professional growth and employee development and training
  • Recognized for our workplace practices, employee wellness programs, and community contributions
  • Named as one of the 2023 Best Firms to Work For by ZweigGroup
HELIX also offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Robust Health Coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employee and dependents
  • Life/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Accrual of Paid Personal Time Off
  • Bonus Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan participation
  • 401K participation with employer contributions
We are looking for a Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist with preferably 10+ years of experience (a minimum of 6 years is required to apply) as an analyst conducting modeling and impact assessment of noise and vibration in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Specific responsibilities would include the following:
  • Quantify construction, stationary and mobile noise levels and vibration levels using computer models and spreadsheets. Computer models include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Model (TNM), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rail models, FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM), and DataKustik Computer Aided Noise Abatement (CadnaA) program.
  • Conduct ambient noise measurements using ANSI Type II sound level meters and vibration meters.
  • Assess compliance with applicable standards and CEQA significance thresholds.
  • Research local noise ordinances, general plan policies, and federal guidance, as applicable, to identify applicable impact significance thresholds and compliance standards for analyses in different jurisdictions.
  • Develop mitigation strategies and prepare compliance plans.
  • Manage the preparation of technical studies and CEQA/NEPA document sections.
  • Provide compliance services (construction noise monitoring and exterior-to-interior Title 24 analysis).
  • Interact effectively with staff, clients, and agencies, providing creative solutions and communicating technical information in a clear and effective manner.
  • Prepare technical study proposals and applicable proposal sections, contract amendments, and participate in marketing efforts and proposal interviews.
This position is best suited for a candidate with a positive attitude and strong research, writing, mathematical/scientific, analytical, and verbal communication skills. This individual must have the ability to coordinate effectively with multiple environmental planning project managers and to prioritize and complete high-quality work within specified deadlines and budgets. The applicant must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude and experience working in a team-oriented environment. Please note that this is not a laboratory, engineering, environmental testing, or hazardous materials assessment position. Please submit a cover letter in addition to your resume. Pay will be based on qualifications and/or experience, with a robust benefits package. The expected salary for a Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist I, II, and III ranges from $105,000 to $145,000 annually. HELIX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

Required Skills / Experience / Education

Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in an acoustics, physics, engineering, environmental science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience in noise analysis • Minimum 6 years of experience (outside of academic requirements) preparing noise/acoustic technical studies for projects in California, including studies in support of CEQA/NEPA documents. • Proficiency with ANSI Type II noise level meters and noise models including the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM), CadnaA, the CREATE rail model, and the Roadway Construction Noise Model. • Ability to conduct outdoor fieldwork. • Knowledge of California and federal regulations, legal decisions, and guidance pertaining to noise issues. • Experience in proposal preparation and marketing of consulting services and established client relationships. • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. • Competency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel). Additional skills considered a plus: • 10+ years of experience preparing noise/acoustic technical studies for projects in California, including studies in support of CEQA/NEPA documents. • Familiarity with Noise Study Reports (NSR) and Noise Abatement Decision Reports (NADR) consistent with the requirements of 23CFR772 and the Caltrans Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. • Familiarity with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) model. • Approved noise consultant for services in San Diego County and/or other California jurisdictions. • Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) certification. • Master’s or Ph.D. degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, or related field.

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Job Start Date

01/15/2025

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

None

Primary Language Required

English

Industry

Environmental Planning and Consulting

Job Location

Location Address

7578 EL CAJON BLVD.
La Mesa, California
91942

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

HR

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(619) 462-1515

Website

https://www.helixepi.com/careers/current-openings/