Principal Environmental Planner - Project Manager

GFT is hiring a Principal Environmental Planner - Project Manager in Chicago, IL for a hybrid role. The position involves leading environmental compliance and permitting for transportation and infrastructure projects, managing contracts, mentoring staff, and developing client relationships. Candidates should have a relevant degree and over 15 years of experience in environmental planning, with strong project management skills in NEPA and regulatory compliance.
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 reporting to the Chicago, IL office. 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.



What you’ll be challenged to do:
This role will primarily focus on leading environmental compliance and permitting 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.



In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

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 Chicago and U.S. Central region 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:What you will bring to our firm: Bachelor's or Master's degree in planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Physical Sciences or related field15+ years of progressive, relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental planning, including linear infrastructure, facility siting, permitting, and community engagement, and impact assessment (analytical/technical writing) for NEPA and related regulatory requirementsAbility to obtain IDOT Pre-Qualifications for Environmental Lead for EA, EIS, and additional certificationsExperience managing environmental compliance projects or programs, requiring coordination of interdisciplinary teams, management of budgets, and meeting schedulesExcellent verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills to effectively manage projects and interact with teams of staff, subconsultants and clients What we prefer you bring: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certified Environmental Professional or equivalent certificationExperience in marketing and business development efforts and the sales process in pursuit of new businessDetail ortiented Ability to collaborate within a team environmentLeadership, negotiation and conflict resolution skills Compensation:The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $145,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured 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.

Company Overview:At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.



Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.



Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.



GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.



Location: Chicago, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time