HELIX's Sacramento County Office Moves to a New Location

HELIX’s Sacramento County Office Moves to a New Location

To accommodate HELIX Environmental Planning’s growth in the Northern California region, we’re excited to announce the relocation of our Sacramento County office in Folsom. Please note our new address and phone number for reaching our Folsom staff.

New HELIX Sacramento County Office
1180 Iron Point Road, Suite 130
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: 916-435-1205
Fax: 619-462-0552

Visit our Contact Us page for a listing of all HELIX office locations and contact information.

Scott Redding Joins HELIX as Landscape Architecture Group Manager

We’re pleased to announce the addition of Scott Redding, PLA as Principal Landscape Architect. Working from our Placer County office in Roseville, Scott serves as HELIX Environmental Planning’s Landscape Architecture Group Manager leading our teams in Northern California.

With 24 years of experience in landscape architecture, Scott has designed and managed a diverse portfolio of projects for the public and private sectors. These include community design, civic, institutional, commercial, parks/recreation, and educational facilities of varying size, scale, and complexity. His focus has been the integration of the aesthetic, functional, and sustainable aspects of landscape architecture into every project. Scott is skilled in many facets of the profession including production, design, project management, construction administration, mentoring, and leadership. Scott’s goals are to improve and enhance the quality of spaces to promote sustainability, evoke environmental and social change, and to build healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities.

Please join us in celebrating this wonderful new addition to the HELIX team! To reach Scott and discuss your project, you can email him at ScottR@helixepi.com or call him direct at 916-365-8758.

ASLA Sierra Chapter Recognizes HELIX

HELIX was honored by the Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) at their biennial Design Awards event held November 4, 2022.

Merit Award for The Preserve at District56

The Preserve at District56 project received the Merit Award in the Parks and Open Space category. Located in the City of Elk Grove’s 56-acre civic center complex (District56), The Preserve is a 30-acre park developed as a community gathering space to celebrate and preserve nature and history. The heart of The Preserve is the 4.5-acre perennial pond with four habitat islands where trees and snags were retained, and wetland vegetation added to provide cover and food for aquatic wildlife. Visitors interface with the pond through the bridge overlook, a shade-covered picnic overlook, and an amphitheater at the water’s edge to support educational activities.

Children are immersed in nature as they explore, play, and interact with the pond. The thematic playground features a variety of interactive activities for all ages and abilities. The Sensory Plaza facing the playground invites a multisensory nature experience through touch, sound, vision, and smell. Opportunities to gather and create social connections span the great lawn, fitness court, picnic areas, and playground.

Native grasslands have been restored and artificial burrows were installed to invite burrowing owls, a California species of special concern. Additional habitat was provided by installing bat boxes near the pond to encourage bats to roost and eat, which helps control insects without the need for chemical pesticides.

Furthest from the bustling civic center are passive uses, with walking trails, oak woodland, and an homage to Elk Grove’s agriculture heritage through preservation of a pistachio orchard and silo. The principals of the Historic American Landscape Survey were used to preserve the form and massing of the pistachio orchard, editing the self-seeded trees to retain the grid form indicative of orchard landscapes of the time. Interpretive signs tell the story of the natural features and history. Close coordination with the City during design ensures the site can be programmed for community events, recreation, and educational opportunities.

Meredith Branstad Honored with Legacy Award

During the event, HELIX’s Principal Landscape Architect, Meredith Branstad, from the firm’s Folsom office, was also presented with the Legacy Award recognizing her years of service to the organization and to the profession of landscape architecture, through volunteering as an executive committee member, encouraging high school students to pursue landscape architecture through the CREATE Mentor program, and teaching at UC Davis.

Lisa Capper Retiring from HELIX

Celebrating a Remarkable Career!

We are celebrating Lisa Capper, Principal Planner, whose contributions to HELIX Environmental Planning over the past 29 years have been integral to the firm’s ongoing success. Lisa will be officially retiring from HELIX on September 9, 2022.

In addition to managing CEQA compliance for some of the San Diego region’s most complex and controversial projects, Lisa held a number of key leadership positions at HELIX, including serving on our executive committee for 15 years. Her commitment to mentorship, excellent writing, and outstanding client service have helped define our corporate culture.

We will miss Lisa not only for her professionalism and dedication, but also her kindness, humor, and encyclopedic knowledge of art and culture. Please join us in congratulating Lisa as she embarks on her next adventures!

Diana Dyste Joins HELIX as Cultural Resources Discipline Leader

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Diana Dyste as HELIX’s Statewide Cultural Resources Discipline Leader!

Diana is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) and Principal Investigator with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications for archaeology. She has 22 years of experience in California archaeology, ethnography, and Native American support services.

Diana has extensive experience implementing permit requirements for National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 and CEQA/NEPA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Executive Order 11593, and CEQA-Plus and 404 permit applications. She has provided compliance services to a wide range of federal, state, and local agencies including the California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, Caltrans, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, State Water Board, and multiple water municipalities, as well as energy companies including Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison (SCE).

Diana is experienced in Native American consultation and participatory action collaborative field methods at Traditional Cultural Properties, Tribal Cultural Resources, and sacred/burial sites. Her key strengths include project/operations management, technical/environmental document preparation, Native American support services, and QA/QC management of complex archaeological projects. This includes the design and implementation of mitigation measures, site testing, data recovery, human remains recovery, specialty lab analysis, and technical reporting. Diana’s archaeological expertise includes macroscopic use-wear analysis of ground stone, archaeobotanical identification and seasonality, zooarchaeology minimum number of individuals/number of identifiable specimens (MNI/NISP), taphonomy, and desktop buried site sensitivity assessment.

At HELIX, she will work with a team of archaeologists, cultural resources specialists, architectural historians, and our group managers across California to grow HELIX’s cultural resources practice statewide.

Please join us in celebrating this wonderful new addition to the HELIX team! To reach Diana and discuss your project, you can email her at DianaD@helixepi.com or call 619-668-7459.

Memorial to Dr. Roy Buck in CNPS Artemisia

Dr. Roy Buck, one of California’s leading botanists, passed away on January 9, 2019, at the age of 66.

Dr. Gretchen Flohr, HELIX Biology Group Manager/Principal Biologist and colleagues authored a memorial to Dr. Buck in the most recent issue of the California Native Plant Society scientific journal, Artemisia (Volume 49, No. 1, June 2022).

Gretchen and Dr. Buck were close friends and colleagues for over 25 years. Dr. Buck worked as Gretchen’s Senior Botanist when she ran her own consulting firm. Please join us in remembering this brilliant botanist and truly amazing person. In addition to the memorial article, you can also view a video of one of Dr. Buck’s last field visits.

Sue Meyer Joins HELIX as Biology Group Manager

We’re excited to announce addition of Sue Meyer as a Biology Group Manager for our San Diego County team!

Sue has 20 years of experience advising and consulting with public and private sector clients on environmental clearance, regulatory permitting, mitigation, and compliance for complex infrastructure and development projects. Licensed to practice law in the state of California, Sue worked at Nossaman for over 15 years where she provided legal and regulatory advice and counsel for jurisdictional permitting, wetlands, endangered species, natural resource protection, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Sue has also worked as an industry consultant for the last four years. She specializes in the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, including Section 404 and 401 permitting, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, CEQA/NEPA, and state land use laws. She has extensive experience with a range of services including due diligence, regulatory strategy/planning, habitat conservation planning, biological planning and management, and conservation easement negotiations/support. Sue works closely with technical experts in biology, hydrology, geology, acoustics, and other fields to manage natural resource issues for water, transportation, transit, and renewable and conventional energy projects from project inception to completion. At HELIX, Sue will lead a team of biologists and regulatory specialists providing environmental compliance services on a wide variety of projects and sectors across Southern California.

Please join us in celebrating this wonderful new addition to the HELIX team! To reach Sue and discuss your project, you can email her at SueM@helixepi.com or call 619-462-1515.

Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist – San Diego County

HELIX is seeking a Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist to support the high-quality consultant teams at our headquarters office in La Mesa, California. 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.

This Senior Acoustics/Noise Specialist position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience 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).

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.

Specific responsibilities would include the following:

Conduct ambient noise measurements using ANSI Type II sound level meters and vibration meters.

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.

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), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), and DataKustik Computer Aided Noise Abatement (CadnaA) program.
Assess compliance with applicable standards and CEQA significance thresholds.
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.

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 8 years of experience (outside of academic requirements) 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.
Proficiency with ANSI Type II noise level meters and noise models including the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM), CREATE rail model, CadnaA, and the Roadway Construction Noise Model.
Ability to conduct outdoor fieldwork, including lifting and carrying up to 30 lbs. if necessary.
Knowledge of California and federal regulations, legal decisions, and guidance pertaining to noise issues.
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
Competency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).

Additional skills considered a plus:

Approved noise consultant for services in San Diego County and/or other California jurisdictions.
Experience in proposal preparation and marketing of consulting services and established client relationships.
Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) certification.
Masters or Ph.D. degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, or related field.

Salary:

Dependent on experience (DOE), and comprehensive benefits package

To Apply:

All candidates must submit a cover letter with their resume. Click “Apply Now” below to get started.

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.

Habitat Restoration Assistant Project Manager – San Diego County

HELIX’s Construction Group is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Project Manager to join our habitat restoration team at our headquarters office in La Mesa, California.

The Assistant Project Manager provides support to our Project Managers in planning, directing, and coordinating activities of designated projects to ensure that goals or objectives of projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and budgets. This position will be responsible for working on project sites, as well as completing duties in the office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Field evaluation and hands-on involvement in habitat restoration activities such as installation of irrigation systems, installation of temporary fences, removal of unwanted plant material, grading and leveling soil, collection and installation of seed, installation of storm water BMP’s, etc.
Assistance in communicating project information with team members in the field
Supervision of native habitat construction and maintenance crews and project sites
Participation in project management and cost estimating
Preparation of proposals
Pre/Post proposal job walks
Project quality assurance
Attend occasional meetings with HELIX and/or client staff
Create and maintain positive new client interactions
Research and pursue business opportunities
Effectively handle multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines
Maintain and submit accurate logs and reports
Plan reading and take off
Assisting with some accounting and administrative tasks as assigned
You will also complete other tasks deemed appropriate by HELIX which are necessary for the successful operation of the firm

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources/ Environmental Science or related field (degree in biochemistry or microbiology not acceptable)
Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office
Excellent written and verbal skills
Detail oriented, with excellent organizational skills
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in varying terrain
Valid California driver license with a clean driving record over the last 3 years

Additional Skills considered a plus:

Native plant and construction knowledge
Work experience in a natural resources, environmental science, or related field
Intern, volunteer or research experience (outside of academic requirements) in a natural resources, environmental science, or related field
Prior hands-on construction or restoration experience

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.

Compensation

$20-22/hour, or dependent on experience. Great benefit package included.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a skill assessment test, reference check, and a driving record evaluation. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should send their resume and cover letter via email to karlal@helixepi.com and/or fax: 619-462-0552.

Senior Architectural Historian – Southern California

HELIX is seeking a Senior Architectural Historian to supplement the high-quality cultural resources management team in our southern California locations (Irvine, Pasadena, Carlsbad and La Mesa). HELIX offers cultural resources, environmental, biological, acoustical, air quality, and GIS services to both the public and private sectors. Our cultural resources staff completes all types of cultural resources studies for a wide range of local, state, and federal projects.

The successful applicant will assist in conducting cultural resources/built environment studies for a wide range of project types throughout California, reporting to the Cultural Resources Group Manager. Responsibilities will include proposal preparation, research, field surveys, evaluations, impact analyses, report preparation, and communications with other cultural resources and environmental planning staff, subconsultants, clients and agency staff. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and training in historical resources in California, with at least eight years of related experience.

Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and analytical abilities. The applicant must have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and work well with others. Knowledge of the California historical, environmental, and regulatory setting is desired.

Minimum Requirements for Senior Architectural Historian:

Graduate Degree in historic preservation, historic architecture, history, or a closely related field;
A minimum of eight years of professional experience in applying the methods and practices of historic preservation in the identification, evaluation, and treatment of historic resources;
Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills;
Knowledge and experience with historic preservation and cultural resources management within the State of California; and
Knowledge of the federal and California laws and regulations pertaining to cultural resource protection and management, and ability to evaluate compliance with relevant federal and state regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to cultural resources.

Additional skills considered a plus for Senior Architectural Historian:

Historic archaeology experience and capabilities;
Experience with development/implementation of research designs, preservation plans, and mitigation measures (e.g., HABS/HAER documentation);
Experience with development/implementation of construction monitoring plans and programs;
Experience in the marketing of historic resource services.

Salary:

Dependent on experience (DOE)

To Apply:

All candidates must submit a cover letter with their resume. Click “Apply Now” below to get started.