Entry Level Environmental Planner

Sowela; Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Benefits package including medical, a

401(k)

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive pay

Job summary

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Environmental Planner to support NEPA documentation and environmental review activities for transportation, infrastructure, and public-sector projects. December 2026 graduates are encouraged to apply, with a focus on NEPA documents and related regulatory reviews.

Responsibilities include assisting with environmental assessments, CE/EA/EIS documentation, data collection and GIS analyses, and collaboration with planners, engineers, scientists, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Public Planning, or related field.
• 0-3 years of professional experience in environmental planning, environmental compliance, transportation planning, GIS, natural resources, or related field.
• Familiarity with NEPA process through coursework, internships, or experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Responsibilities

• Assist with NEPA documentation, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related deliverables.
• Support environmental reviews for transportation, infrastructure, and community development projects.
• Conduct environmental research and regulatory reviews to identify project requirements and constraints.
• Assist with documenting CE, EA, and EIS processes.
• Support permitting and agency coordination efforts.
• Collect, organize, and analyze environmental and GIS-related data.
• Develop maps, exhibits, figures, and spatial analyses using GIS software.
• Assist with field reviews, environmental inventories, and site reconnaissance.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, scientists, and regulators.
• Support project managers with documentation, schedules, and client communications.
• Participate in professional development and training programs.

Skills

Strong writing

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Environmental Planner

GFT's Environmental team delivers integrated environmental planning, permitting, compliance, site assessment, and remediation solutions that support infrastructure and development projects across North America. Our professionals work with clients to navigate complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations while managing risk and protecting natural and built environments. From environmental due diligence and regulatory compliance to site investigations and remediation, GFT supports projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial assessment through implementation and long-term compliance.

What You'll Be Challenged to Do

As an Entry Level Environmental Planner, you will support environmental planning and compliance efforts for transportation, infrastructure, and public-sector projects with a primary focus on NEPA documentation and environmental review activities.

December 2026 graduates are encouraged to apply!

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Assisting with the preparation of NEPA documentation, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related project deliverables.
• Supporting environmental reviews for transportation, infrastructure, and community development projects.
• Conducting environmental research and regulatory reviews to identify project requirements, constraints, and opportunities.
• Assisting with the preparation of documentation associated with Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
• Supporting environmental permitting and agency coordination efforts.
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing environmental and GIS-related data.
• Developing maps, exhibits, figures, and spatial analyses using GIS software.
• Assisting with field reviews, environmental inventories, and site reconnaissance activities as needed.
• Preparing technical memoranda, reports, presentations, and other planning documents.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, scientists, and regulatory specialists.
• Supporting project managers with project documentation, deliverables, schedules, and client communications.
• Participating in professional development opportunities and technical training programs.

What You Will Bring to Our Firm

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Public Planning, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of professional experience in environmental planning, environmental compliance, transportation planning, GIS, natural resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental planning and environmental compliance through prior internships, applied academic projects, or work experiences.
• Familiarity with the NEPA process through coursework, internships, academic projects, or professional experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while managing multiple assignments.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, client offices, and other locations which may include out-of-town or overnight travel.
• Must be able to physically work outdoors in all seasons including being capable of lifting 30 pounds and traversing steep slopes and rough terrain.
• Valid driver's license.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Master's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Working experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience creating maps, exhibits, spatial analyses, and technical graphics.
• Prior experience supporting NEPA documentation, environmental permitting, transportation planning, or environmental compliance.
• Familiarity with Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Participation in planning, environmental, or GIS-related professional organizations.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $75,000, depending on experience, qualifications, 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.

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™ 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.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.