Principal Environmental Planner - NEPA Lead

GFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Wellness program

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

PTO

Job summary

GFT seeks a Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead in Chicago, IL to head environmental clearance and NEPA compliance on major transportation and infrastructure projects. You will mentor staff, manage client relationships, and guide budget, scope, and schedule across programs.

The role includes business development responsibilities, growth strategy, and market positioning to expand NEPA-related services and Phase 1 preliminary engineering offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Physical Sciences or related field.
• 20 years of progressive, relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency in environmental planning including NEPA, permitting, and community engagement.
• Ability to prepare technical proposals and fee estimates for large projects.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing complex environmental projects with budgets and schedules.
• Experience developing business growth strategies and client portfolios.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and team oriented.
• Professional certification (AICP, PMP, or similar) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning and NEPA compliance work and support development of NEPA documents.
• Be an effective client liaison on NEPA projects.
• Oversee preparation of technical studies and work programs for NEPA/Phase 1 projects.
• Prepare proposals and contribute to new business development through cross-selling.
• Manage NEPA/environmental planning projects by monitoring budget, scope and schedule.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative technical work programs.
• Mentor staff and provide feedback on project tasks.
• Oversee supervisory tasks, planning, assignment, and coaching of team members.
• Coordinate subcontractors and ensure quality and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal skills

Budget management

Client liaison

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in planning/environmental science/engineering

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead to join our growing Environmental team. This hybrid position will be located in Chicago, Illinois.

The successful candidate would join our multi-disciplinary team to engage with our expanding pool of public and private sector clients, manage complex contracts and task orders for large environmental planning programs, and participate in a significant way to implement a growth strategy to increase market share and revenues.

This role will primarily focus on leading environmental clearance and NEPA compliance work on projects, and specifically technical leadership and oversight on complex transportation, transit and other infrastructure projects. Depending on the project assignment, the candidate will serve as a project manager, deputy project manager, task manager, or environmental lead.

Technical responsibilities of this position include providing oversight, guidance and management of NEPA and permitting efforts, coordination with engineering design teams during both pursuit and project phases, and interacting with agencies and the public. The selected candidate will also function as a mentor to staff, manage client relationships, and oversee the financial health of projects in a project management capacity.

In addition, the Principal Environmental/NEPA Planner is a senior leadership role responsible for contributing to business development, including establishing and executing a growth strategy for NEPA and Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering related services. This role entails leadership for market positioning, client engagement, and capture strategy.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

Technical Leadership

• Lead environmental planning and compliance work and support the development of environmental documents and studies in compliance with NEPA, and other state and federal environmental regulations.


• Be an effective client liaison on NEPA projects.


• Oversee preparation of various technical studies and technical work programs as part of NEPA/ Phase 1 preliminary engineering projects.


• Prepare effective technical and cost proposals and take an active role in the development of new business through internal cross selling and through developing and expanding client relationships that generate new business.


• Perform project management role on NEPA/environmental planning projects by monitoring budget, scope and schedule and being accountable for project performance.


• Collaborate with project teams to develop technical work programs designed to provide innovative and progressive project solutions.


• Provide leadership in mentoring personnel, including reviewing their work for accuracy and clarity and providing constructive feedback on project tasks.


• Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating and coaching team member performance.


• Oversee and manage subcontractor coordination on projects and ensure adherence to quality protocols, and client satisfaction.

Business Development, Capture, and Client Leadership

• Leads business development and capture strategy for NEPA / Phase 1 preliminary engineering including major pursuits, key client plans, and cross-market opportunities.


• Establish, lead and execute a growth strategy to increase market share and grow NEPA/Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering revenues.


• Collaborate with internal partners including the Transportation leadership team and Market Sector Leaders to strengthen brand presence and market positioning in NEPA/ Phase 1 preliminary engineering.


• Drives a disciplined capture process, including go/no-go decisions, teaming strategies, pricing, and value proposition development.


• Actively cultivates client relationships and represents the firm externally with regulators, industry organizations, and strategic partners.

Education | Experience:

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Physical Sciences or related field


• 20 years of progressive, relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental planning, including linear infrastructure, facility siting, permitting, community engagement, and impact assessment (analytical/technical writing) for NEPA or similar requirements.


• Demonstrated ability to apply sound business acumen and strategies to prepare technical proposals and fee estimates on large, complex projects and programs that respond to our clients’ needs.


• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to effectively manage projects and interact with teams of staff, subconsultants, and clients.


• Experience managing complex environmental compliance projects or programs, requiring coordination of interdisciplinary teams, management of budget(s), and meeting schedule(s). Successfully interface with clients and other teaming partners (e.g., JV partners).


• Experience with preparing and executing business development strategies and helping to grow revenues and client portfolios.


• Experience in marketing and business development efforts in pursuit of new business.


• Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate within a team environment.


• Professional certification (AICP, PMP, or similar) is preferred but not required.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $175,000 - $225,000. Salary 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™

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 GFT.

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

Location:

Chicago, IL

Core Business Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status:

Full-Time