Environmental Planning Practice Leader - Illinois

Lochner; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Work Schedules

Retirement Plan with Employer Match

Job summary

Lochner in Chicago is seeking a leader in Environmental Planning/NEPA to guide practice growth and manage key public sector relationships. The role requires expertise in rail and transit projects and NEPA compliance, focusing on delivering high-quality outcomes.

Ideal candidates will have over 20 years in environmental planning, a strong track record with Illinois agencies, and exceptional leadership capabilities. Benefits include hybrid work options and competitive health packages.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning with a strong NEPA focus.
• Demonstrated expertise delivering rail and transit projects.
• Deep knowledge of FRA and FTA NEPA processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the Environmental Planning/NEPA practice.
• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key public sector clients.
• Serve as Project Director/Executive-in-Charge on major assignments.

Skills

Client relationships within Illinois transportation agencies

Communication skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

NEPA compliance

GIS

Job description

Practice Leadership & Growth

Lead and grow the Environmental Planning/NEPA practice in Illinois and surrounding markets.

Develop and execute strategic business plans, including market positioning across rail, transit, and DOT clients.

Identify and capture new business opportunities with agencies such as:

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
• Illinois DOT (IDOT)
• Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace
• CMAP and municipal agencies

Serve as capture manager and/or executive sponsor for major pursuits.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key public sector clients.
• Represent the firm in industry organizations, stakeholder forums, and public meetings.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients on NEPA strategy, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

Technical Leadership (NEPA & Environmental Planning)

Provide senior‑level oversight for:

• Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
• Environmental Assessments (EA)
• Categorical Exclusions (CE)

Lead complex NEPA efforts for rail corridors, transit expansions, and major infrastructure programs.

Ensure compliance with:

• NEPA
• Section106
• Section4(f)
• Clean Water Act
• ESA
• Other federal/state requirements
• Illinois‑specific processes and coordination with IDOT Bureau of Design & Environment (BDE)

Advise on integration with planning, engineering, and permitting.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• Serve as Project Director/Executive‑in‑Charge on major assignments.
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality for high‑profile environmental programs.
• Provide risk management and ensure on‑time, compliant delivery.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and grow multidisciplinary teams of environmental planners, scientists, and technical specialists.
• Recruit top talent and support succession planning.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Thought Leadership & Innovation

• Stay at the forefront of NEPA regulatory updates, climate policy, and sustainability trends.
• Drive innovation in Programmatic NEPA approaches, digital delivery tools (GIS, data management), sustainability and resilience integration.
• Contribute to white papers, conference presentations, and industry leadership.

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning with a strong NEPA focus.
• Demonstrated expertise delivering rail and transit projects (e.g., corridors, stations, expansions).
• Deep knowledge of FRA and FTA NEPA processes; Illinois regulatory environment (IDOT, CMAP, local agencies).
• Proven track record of winning and delivering major projects/programs and leading high‑performing teams.
• Strong client relationships within Illinois transportation agencies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Programmatic Agreements and Tiered NEPA documents.
• Familiarity with public involvement and EJ/TitleVI considerations.
• Professional certifications (e.g., AICP, CEP) preferred.
• Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar programs and cross‑functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program
• Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care
• Paid Family Leave
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible)
• Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health
• Lochner Cares Non‑Profit 501c3
• Education and Training Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stoop, crawl, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 20 pounds. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights.

Equal Employer

Lochner is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Lochner provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Pre‑Employment Screening

All positions at Lochner require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo pre‑employment screening. Background checks include SSN/SIN validation, motor vehicle verification, education verification, employment verification, a criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, and drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of the pre‑employment screening.