Entry Level Environmental Planner

About the role

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Environmental Planner to join its growing Environmental Practice in Mechanicsburg, PA. The role follows a hybrid work model requiring a minimum of 3 days onsite office attendance. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated environmental planning, permitting, compliance, site assessment, and remediation solutions that support infrastructure and development projects across North America. Professionals work with clients to navigate complex federal, state, and local environmental regulations while managing risk and protecting natural and built environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of NEPA documentation, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related project deliverables.
• Support environmental reviews for transportation, infrastructure, and community development projects.
• Conduct environmental research and regulatory reviews to identify project requirements, constraints, and opportunities.
• Assist with the preparation of documentation associated with Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
• Support environmental permitting and agency coordination efforts.
• Collect, organize, and analyze environmental and GIS-related data.
• Develop maps, exhibits, figures, and spatial analyses using GIS software.
• Assist with field reviews, environmental inventories, and site reconnaissance activities as needed.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, presentations, and other planning documents.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of planners, engineers, scientists, and regulatory specialists.
• Support project managers with project documentation, deliverables, schedules, and client communications.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and technical training programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Public Planning, or a related field.
• 0‑3 years of professional experience in environmental planning, environmental compliance, transportation planning, GIS, natural resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental planning and environmental compliance through prior internships, applied academic projects, or work experiences.
• Familiarity with the NEPA process through coursework, internships, academic projects, or professional experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment while managing multiple assignments.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, client offices, and other locations which may include out‑of‑town or overnight travel.
• Ability to physically work outdoors in all seasons, including being capable of lifting 30 pounds and traversing steep slopes and rough terrain.
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field (preferred).
• Working experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro (preferred).
• Experience creating maps, exhibits, spatial analyses, and technical graphics (preferred).
• Prior experience supporting NEPA documentation, environmental permitting, transportation planning, or environmental compliance (preferred).
• Familiarity with Categorical Exclusions (CE), Environmental Assessments (EA), and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) (preferred).
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental regulations and permitting requirements (preferred).
• Participation in planning, environmental, or GIS‑related professional organizations (preferred).

Skills

Technical writing, communication, analytical, GIS, organizational, problem‑solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and ability to manage multiple assignments.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, 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.