Principal Environmental Planner, Project Manager

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner/Project Manager to join our growing Environmental team. This is a hybrid position, with the option to work from one of our Mid-Atlantic offices to include Mechanicsburg PA, Philadelphia PA, Fairfax VA or Baltimore/Owings Mills MD. As a Principal Environmental Planner you would join our multi‑disciplinary team to engage with our expanding pool of public and private sector clients, manage contracts and task orders for large environmental planning programs, and coordinate with our team to complete environmental compliance processes and documentation.

This role will primarily focus on leading environmental clearance and compliance work on roadway transportation, transit and other infrastructure projects. Depending on the project assignment, the candidate could serve as a project manager, deputy project manager, task manager, or environmental lead. Technical responsibilities of this position would include providing guidance and management of NEPA and permitting efforts, providing planning assistance to design teams for project development, and interacting with agencies and the public.

The selected candidate will also function as a mentor to staff and manage client relationships.

• Lead environmental planning and regulatory compliance work and support the development of environmental documents and studies in compliance with NEPA and other state and federal environmental regulations.
• Perform project management duties on NEPA/environmental planning projects by monitoring budget, scope and schedule and being accountable for project performance.
• Establish and execute a NEPA/environmental planning focused business development/growth strategy for both new and existing clients in the Mid‑Atlantic transportation market. Develop and expand client relationships that generate new or repeat business.
• Provide leadership in mentoring personnel, including reviewing their work for accuracy and clarity and providing constructive feedback on project tasks.
• 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.
• 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.

Education |

Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Biology, Physical Sciences, or related field.
• 15+ 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 and related regulatory requirements.
• Ability to apply sound business development strategies and prepare proposals and deliverables that respond to our clients’ needs.
• Experience managing environmental compliance projects or programs, requiring coordination of interdisciplinary teams, management of budget(s), and meeting schedule(s). Successfully interface with clients.
• 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 projects following NEPA procedures in the Mid‑Atlantic transportation market (e.g. Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland Port Administration, PennDOT, Virginia DOT), including successfully coordinating and managing NEPA document preparation and technical studies.
• Experience in marketing and business development efforts and the sales process in pursuit of new business.
• Must be self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and able to collaborate within a team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and…