Senior NEPA Lead – Transportation & Infrastructure Planning

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

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.