Principal Environmental Planner - NEPA Lead

GFT. • Chicago, IL

8d • $175,000 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead to join their Environmental team. This hybrid position will be located in Chicago, Illinois. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team to engage with public and private sector clients, manage complex contracts and task orders for large environmental planning programs, and 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, with a specific emphasis on technical leadership and oversight for complex transportation, transit, and other infrastructure projects. Depending on project assignments, the candidate may serve as a project manager, deputy project manager, task manager, or environmental lead. Technical responsibilities include providing oversight, guidance, and management of NEPA and permitting efforts, coordinating with engineering design teams during both pursuit and project phases, and interacting with agencies and the public. The selected candidate will also mentor staff, manage client relationships, and oversee the financial health of projects in a project management capacity. Additionally, this senior leadership role is responsible for contributing to business development, including establishing and executing a growth strategy for NEPA and Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering related services, market positioning, client engagement, and capture strategy.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal