Project Environmental Planner (NEPA)

GFT • New York, NY

1d • $98,000 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Project Environmental Planner (NEPA) to join our growing Environmental Practice! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our New York, NY office. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. With more than 140 professionals in 22 offices, the team guides clients through NEPA and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments, and environmental remediation efforts. Their expertise spans transportation, power, water, and facilities markets — working alongside agencies at federal, state, and local levels. From stream restoration to complex environmental impact statements, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence. What you’ll be challenged to do: As an Environmental Planner (NEPA), you will support and contribute to federal environmental review and permitting efforts in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for transportation, infrastructure, and development projects. The role involves preparing and coordinating environmental documentation, supporting technical studies, and assisting with agency coordination and public involvement. The position is well‑suited for a planner ready to take on increased responsibility while continuing to work under the guidance of senior planners and project managers. This role will frequently interface with New York–specific environmental review processes, including coordination with SEQRA/CEQR documentation where projects involve state or local approvals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, or a related field
• Approximately 5+ years of professional experience supporting NEPA or environmental assessment/planning projects
• Working knowledge of NEPA regulations, documentation types, and review processes
• Familiarity with New York environmental review frameworks, including SEQRA and/or CEQR
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical reports
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a team environment

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in planning or a related discipline
• AICP certification or Environmental Engineering P.E.
• Experience working on transportation or infrastructure projects (transit, highways, rail, aviation)
• Experience supporting federal funding or permitting processes
• Working knowledge of GIS and environmental data visualization
• Experience assisting with public meetings or stakeholder engagement

Responsibilities

• Prepare and contribute to high‑quality technical writing for NEPA documents, including Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), technical memoranda, purpose and need statements, and impact analyses
• Conduct independent technical research using federal, state, and local guidance, regulations, datasets, and prior environmental documentation to support NEPA compliance
• Synthesize complex technical information from multiple disciplines (engineering, natural resources, cultural resources, air quality, noise, traffic, hazardous materials, and land use) into clear, concise, and defensible environmental documentation
• Translate technical and engineering concepts into accessible narrative suitable for agency review and public understanding
• Ensure technical accuracy, internal consistency, and regulatory compliance across environmental documents
• Read, interpret, and understand engineering design drawings, plans, profiles, typical sections, and conceptual layouts to assess environmental impacts and inform NEPA analyses
• Coordinate closely with engineers and technical specialists to understand design assumptions, project limits, construction methods, and phasing
• Identify potential environmental constraints or impacts based on engineering design features and proposed construction activities
• Support alternatives analysis by evaluating environmental implications of design variations
• Support coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, including preparation of technically sound responses to agency comments
• Assist with comment tracking and response ‑ to ‑ comments matrices, synthesizing agency and public feedback into clear, defensible responses
• Support projects involving NEPA and New York State/City environmental review coordination (SEQRA and/or CEQR)
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate technical inputs into cohesive environmental documentation
• Manage multiple technical assignments simultaneously while meeting schedules and quality expectations
• Assist with internal quality control reviews to ensure clarity, consistency, and technical rigor
• Compile, analyze, and summarize environmental data, figures, and tables for reports and agency submittals
• Participate in field reviews or site visits, as needed, to support technical analyses and documentation

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: Mid Level