Environmental Planner

Environmental Planning Specialist

A professional level position that requires a moderate degree of responsibility and technical knowledge, particularly as it relates to environmental planning. Assists in the development and implementation of programs and efforts to educate and inform communities and stakeholders about the need for and benefits of environmental stewardship. Responsible for executing and managing assigned planning projects or assisting with or handling a large project with moderate supervision. Oversee the work of interns and consultants.

Essential Functions

1. Develops project proposals, work programs, and budgets for assigned areas using expertise on environmental planning in the region. Ensures that work is aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
2. Leads the Environmental Consultation Process and maintains information related to agency consultations with state and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, historic preservation, tourism, and natural disaster risk.
3. Builds planning capacity for compensatory mitigation relating to the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act as required by the FAST Act. This includes supporting compensatory mitigation needs relating to surface transportation projects.
4. Leads the preparation, evaluation, and presentation of technical analyses and strategic recommendations on potential environmental mitigation and adaptation activities—including green infrastructure, community development initiatives, and conservation practices—with a focus on feasibility, long-term impact, and stakeholder alignment.
5. Pursues and advances implementation efforts of the OKI Strategic Regional Policy Plan, specifically related to the SRPP's Natural Systems, Transportation, and Land Use elements.
6. Works closely with in-house committees and participates in external committees:
   1. Develops strategies for communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders with environmental, land use, and transportation planning interests; generates background materials and informational sessions for local decision-makers on such issues.
   2. Strengthens the OKI relationship with FHWA Eco-logical or equivalent federal initiatives.
   3. Fosters and supports a regional network of greenspace professionals.
7. Represents the agency on procedures and technical matters to local, regional, state, and federal officials and the general public. Confers with local, regional, special district, and state officials concerning planning issues, projects, and programs.
8. Designs approaches and methodologies for data collection, development, analysis, and interpretation.
9. Makes presentations to committees and other groups.
10. Develops and assists in implementing public involvement activities.
11. Provides guidance and reviews the work of other planners.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs all other duties and job responsibilities, as assigned.

Job Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in urban studies, urban planning, geography, anthropology, biology, geology, ecology, zoology, environmental management, landscape architecture, engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in an environmental planning-related field with progressively complex assignments requiring sound decision-making and judgment.
• An understanding of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its requirements related to transportation planning and project delivery. Direct NEPA experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of the concepts, objectives, and practices of regional planning.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a project planning team.
• Ability to effectively lead a project planning team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (good writing, clear communication, thorough research, and effective organization), including public speaking.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Computer proficiency, including desktop and online GIS, computer spreadsheets, graphics, and desktop publishing.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), Professional Landscape Architect (PLA), Professional Engineer (PE) and/or another related field helpful but not required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS

Ability to hear and to speak, including making speeches. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Valid driving license, or ability to obtain one within one month of employment. Good driving record. Ability to lift 30 pounds, as needed.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION REQUIREMENTS

Works inside the office in a sedentary posture. Attend meetings with office staff. Periodic attendance at meetings outside the OKI offices. Occasional field trips to improved and unimproved development sites, agricultural areas and wilderness areas.