Environmental Planning Practice Leader - Illinois

Practice Leadership & Growth Lead and grow the Environmental Planning/NEPA practice in Illinois and surrounding markets. Develop and execute strategic business plans, including market positioning across rail, transit, and DOT clients. Identify and capture new business opportunities with agencies such as: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Illinois DOT (IDOT) Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace CMAP and municipal agencies Serve as capture manager and/or executive sponsor for major pursuits. Client Development & Relationship Management Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key public sector clients. Represent the firm in industry organizations, stakeholder forums, and public meetings. Provide strategic guidance to clients on NEPA strategy, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Technical Leadership (NEPA & Environmental Planning) Provide senior‑level oversight for: Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Environmental Assessments (EA) Categorical Exclusions (CE) Lead complex NEPA efforts for rail corridors, transit expansions, and major infrastructure programs. Ensure compliance with: NEPA Section106 Section4(f) Clean Water Act ESA Other federal/state requirements Illinois‑specific processes and coordination with IDOT Bureau of Design & Environment (BDE) Advise on integration with planning, engineering, and permitting. Project Oversight & Delivery Serve as Project Director/Executive‑in‑Charge on major assignments. Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality for high‑profile environmental programs. Provide risk management and ensure on‑time, compliant delivery. Team Leadership & Mentorship Lead, mentor, and grow multidisciplinary teams of environmental planners, scientists, and technical specialists. Recruit top talent and support succession planning. Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Thought Leadership & Innovation Stay at the forefront of NEPA regulatory updates, climate policy, and sustainability trends. Drive innovation in Programmatic NEPA approaches, digital delivery tools (GIS, data management), sustainability and resilience integration. Contribute to white papers, conference presentations, and industry leadership. Who you are Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, or related field (master’s preferred). 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning with a strong NEPA focus. Demonstrated expertise delivering rail and transit projects (e.g., corridors, stations, expansions). Deep knowledge of FRA and FTA NEPA processes; Illinois regulatory environment (IDOT, CMAP, local agencies). Proven track record of winning and delivering major projects/programs and leading high‑performing teams. Strong client relationships within Illinois transportation agencies. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Programmatic Agreements and Tiered NEPA documents. Familiarity with public involvement and EJ/TitleVI considerations. Professional certifications (e.g., AICP, CEP) preferred. Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar programs and cross‑functional teams. Benefits Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care Paid Family Leave Retirement Plan with Employer Match Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible) Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health Lochner Cares Non‑Profit 501c3 Education and Training Assistance Employee Assistance Program Employee Discounts Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service Work Environment The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Physical Requirements The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stoop, crawl, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 20 pounds. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights. Equal Employer Lochner is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Lochner provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Pre‑Employment Screening All positions at Lochner require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo pre‑employment screening. Background checks include SSN/SIN validation, motor vehicle verification, education verification, employment verification, a criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, and drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of the pre‑employment screening. #J-18808-Ljbffr Lochner