Staff Environmental Planner | Planning and GIS

A Staff Environmental Planner at H2M architects + engineers will work alongside GIS specialists and planners to assist with environmental planning, permitting, and GIS projects. This role is offered at two levels: Staff Environmental Planner 1 (0 to 2 years) and Staff Environmental Planner 2 (2 to 4 years), reflecting increasing independence, technical responsibility, and decision-making authority.

H2M’s Planning & GIS team delivers practical, data‑driven solutions that support long‑term community needs. Our planners, environmental planning professionals, and GIS specialists take an all-inclusive approach that integrates land use strategy, environmental review, and geospatial analysis to strengthen planning, design, and decision‑making. From comprehensive plans, zoning initiatives, and SEQRA documentation to GIS data development, mapping, asset management, and spatial analysis, we provide efficient, scalable solutions built to meet each client’s operational and technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of environmental review documents, planning studies, permit applications, technical memoranda, and reports for public and private sector clients.
• Assist with the coordination and execution of projects subject to SEQRA, NEPA, CEQR, and local land use approval processes.
• Conduct research and analysis related to land use, zoning, environmental regulations, demographics, community planning, transportation, and natural resources.
• Compile, organize, and evaluate environmental, planning, and regulatory data from federal, state, and local sources.
• Assist in the preparation of environmental assessment forms (EAFs), environmental impact statements (EISs), permit applications, and supporting documentation.
• Support the preparation of planning and permitting documents.
• Perform technical writing and related environmental analysis, including preparation of maps, exhibits, graphics, and presentations.
• Assist project managers with project scheduling, budget tracking, task coordination, and document management.
• Participate in client meetings, agency consultations, public information meetings, and public hearings.
• Prepare meeting summaries, technical correspondence, and project communications for clients, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Track project deliverables, agency reviews, permit requirements, and project milestones to help ensure timely project completion.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, GIS, Planning, Political Science, Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• 0 to 4 years of experience in environmental planning, land use planning, permitting, environmental review, or a related field.
  • Staff Environmental Planner 1: 0 to 2 years of experience.
  • Staff Environmental Planner 2: 2 to 4 years of experience.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing professional planning credentials, including AICP certification, is preferred.
• Certification or experience in tidal and/or freshwater wetlands delineation is preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental review and permitting processes, including SEQRA, NEPA, and CEQR, is preferred.
• Knowledge of one or more environmental planning disciplines, such as natural resources, wetlands, land use planning, transportation, infrastructure, or permitting, is preferred.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro or other GIS applications is preferred.
• Experience conducting field investigations, environmental assessments, or natural resource inventories is preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, agencies, stakeholders, and project team members.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while maintaining accuracy and meeting project deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify solutions and support project advancement.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute ideas in a professional and constructive manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to support project managers with project scheduling, budgeting, coordination, and the delivery of multidisciplinary planning and environmental projects.

Additional Requirements

• This role requires some travel. Business-related travel may involve visits to project sites, client locations, and other H2M offices and may require the use of a personal vehicle.
• This is an exempt, salaried role that may occasionally require flexibility outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and select holidays, to support project schedules, client needs, and business priorities.

The salary range for this role is $61,000 to $82,400 annually.