Principal Environmental Planner

GFT; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in environmental consulting is seeking a Principal Environmental Planner to join their established team in Toronto. This role involves leading Environmental Assessment projects across various sectors while offering significant opportunities for professional growth and engagement with clients and regulatory bodies. The firm promotes a hybrid work environment with a comprehensive benefits package and professional development support.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan

Competitive paid-time-off accrual

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of practical experience in Environmental Assessments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario’s environmental assessment regulatory framework.
• Proven experience in leading projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct multiple Environmental Assessment projects from proposal to approval.
• Develop client relationships that generate repeat business.
• Serve as lead author of Environmental Assessment Reports.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relations

Project Management

Environmental Legislation Interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Geography, Engineering, Urban Planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

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What You Will Do

What You Will Do

GFT ’s Environmental Team is looking for a Principal Environmental Planner to join our established and growing Environmental Team. This position will integrate into a team of environmental scientists, planners, and project managers to deliver a wide range of Environmental Assessment projects within various sectors, including transportation infrastructure (road / bridge), transit / rail, water / wastewater, power, etc. This role offers the opportunity to work in a truly multi-disciplinary environment, giving access to a broad knowledge base with the support of experts across the business.

This position can be based in Toronto, London, Guelph, St. Catharines, and / or Ottawa

Our group offers a diverse base of technical expertise to offer professionals the ability to specialize and advance skills. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing environmental team, apply your environmental skills, and contribute to high profile infrastructure projects. You will interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and colleagues while working on fast paced and challenging environmental projects. This position will offer the right person significant opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and leadership.

GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America and Toronto. With more than 140 professionals in 22 offices, the team guides clients through NEPA and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments, and environmental remediation efforts. Their expertise spans transportation, power, water, and facilities markets — working alongside agencies at federal, state, and local levels. From stream restoration to complex environmental impact statements, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

In the capacity, you will be responsible for the following :

• Direct a variety of Environmental Assessment projects including Transit and Rail Project Assessments, Ministry of Transportation Class EAs, Municipal Engineers Association Class EAs, etc. from proposal through to planning and approval phases.
• Play a lead role in business development and pursuits related to EA opportunities, including strategic BD plans, capture planning, proposal preparation, development of technical workplans and preparation of project fee estimates.
• Serve as Project Manager on EA / planning projects, including budget management and reporting, scope control, and technical staff management.
• Take an active role in the development of new business with new and existing clients. Develop and expand client relationships that generate repeat business.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously within scope / budget / schedule expectations and ensuring quality standards on project deliverables.
• Participate in professional associations / events relevant to the industry.
• Serve as lead author of Environmental Assessment Reports (i.e., ESDs, DCRs, TESRs, Environmental Study Reports, Project File Reports, Environmental Project Reports, etc.) and other supporting environmental documentation to satisfy regulatory requirements.
• Be an expert at interpreting relevant legislation including Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, Impact Assessment Act, Ontario Regulation 231 / 08, etc. and provide strategic advice to clients on same.
• Direct public, review agency, stakeholder, Indigenous Communities consultation and engagement for various types of infrastructure projects.
• Oversee a team of subject matter experts and technical disciplines as part of the EA process to ensure quality deliverables.
• Provide leadership through mentoring personnel, including serving as QA / QC reviewer and providing constructive feedback.
• Manage a team of environmental planners including responsibility for annual goal setting, workload management, and allocating resources effectively.

Education | Experience :

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Geography, Engineering, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of practical experience leading, managing, and successfully delivering Environmental Assessments in Ontario.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Ability to provide leadership and direction on environmental assessment / planning initiatives, offering innovative solutions as well as guidance and technical expertise.
• Exhibits a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong dedication to client satisfaction, business success, and growth objectives.
• Experience leading TRPAPs, MTO Class EAs and Municipal Class EAs.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate a high level of competence and experience in working with teams, clients, and subconsultants.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario’s environmental assessment regulatory framework, including applicable legislation and guidelines related to noise, cultural heritage, archaeology, natural heritage, air quality, land use planning, and species at risk.
• Excellent self-management, time management and organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and multi-task.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, team oriented and ability to work independently.
• Professional designation such as Registered Professional Planner (RPP), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat applications, and file sharing systems (e.g., Sharepoint).

Compensation

The salary range for this position is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits :

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT , a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations : stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT : Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship required for this position. No relocation assistance will be provided for this position. Local candidates will be given preference.

Location : Toronto, London, Guelph, St. Catharines, and / or Ottawa

Core Business Hours : 8 : 00 AM – 5 : 00 PM

Employment Status : Full-Time

Salary Range : Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

hybrid

2025-12199

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Other

Civil Engineering, Truck Transportation, and Architecture and Planning

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