Principal Environmental Planner / NEPA Lead

GFT; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work environment

Tuition reimbursement for continued education

Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual

Job summary

GFT is searching for a Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead to join their team. This hybrid position allows flexibility in work locations in Texas, Maryland, and other states. The role involves leading environmental clearance and compliance for infrastructure projects, mentoring staff, liaising with clients, and managing project financials.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in environmental planning, strong leadership, and business development skills. The salary ranges from $140,000 to $190,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 20 years of progressive experience in environmental planning and NEPA compliance.
• Demonstrated business acumen for proposals on large projects.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary teams and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead NEPA compliance work on infrastructure projects.
• Manage client relationships and project performance.
• Mentor staff and oversee subcontractor coordination.

Skills

Environmental planning

Client liaison

Project management

Technical writing

Business development

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Biology, Physical Sciences, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead. This hybrid position may be located in Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, or South Florida. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence. 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.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

As a Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead, you 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 an project management capacity. In addition, the Principal NEPA Planner is a senior leadership role responsible for contributing to business development, and assisting with executing growth strategy for NEPA related services. This role entails leadership for market positioning, client engagement, and capture strategy.

• 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.
• 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.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, 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.
• Experience with preparing and executing business development strategies and helping to grow revenues and client portfolios.
• 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).
• 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 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.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Valid US Driver’s License.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Location: Various