Principal Environmental Planner / NEPA Lead

About the Role

GFT is seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner/NEPA Lead for a hybrid position located in Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, or South Florida. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, and compliance solutions supporting infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments, permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments, and environmental remediation efforts on projects spanning transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team to engage with public and private sector clients, manage complex contracts and task orders for large environmental planning programs, and contribute to a growth strategy aimed at increasing market share and revenues.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental planning and compliance work, supporting the development of environmental documents and studies in compliance with NEPA and other state and federal environmental regulations.
• Serve as an effective client liaison on NEPA projects.
• Prepare technical and cost proposals, and actively develop new business through internal cross-selling and expanding client relationships.
• Perform project management on NEPA/environmental planning projects by monitoring budget, scope, and schedule, ensuring project performance accountability.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative technical work programs.
• Mentor personnel by reviewing work for accuracy and clarity, providing constructive feedback on project tasks.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating and coaching team members.
• Oversee and manage subcontractor coordination, ensuring adherence to quality protocols and client satisfaction.
• Contribute to business development, market positioning, client engagement, and capture strategy for NEPA-related services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Planning, Biology, Physical Sciences, or a related field.
• 20 years of progressive, relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency in environmental planning, including linear infrastructure, facility siting, permitting, community engagement, and impact assessment for NEPA or similar requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound business acumen and strategies to prepare technical proposals and fee estimates for large, complex projects.
• Proven leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in preparing and executing business development strategies to grow revenues and client portfolios.
• Experience managing complex environmental compliance projects or programs, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, and managing budgets and schedules.
• Ability to successfully interface with clients and teaming partners (e.g., JV partners).
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for effective project management and team interaction.
• Experience in marketing and business development efforts.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate within a team environment.
• Professional certification (AICP, PMP, or similar) is preferred but not required.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Valid US Driver’s License.

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, with access to internal and external training programs and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Schedule

Full-time, with working hours from 8 AM – 5 PM.