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Environmental Planner Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Planner

Fort Collins, CO ยท On-site +1

$69K - $89K/yr

Environmental Planner Ready to make a difference? We are the Environment & Planning Division of ICF. We are passionate about doing what's right for our clients, our people, the communities where we ...

Senior Environmental Planner Ready to Make a Difference? ICF is seeking an Senior Environmental Planner to support our Mountain West planning team. ICF provides environmental planning, policy ...

You will be at the helm of a powerful team that is focusing daily on the delivery of infrastructure, environmental, planning and consulting services. This position will oversee over 75 global ...

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Environmental Planner information

See Colorado salary details

$49.4K

$83.9K

$112.5K

How much do environmental planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental planner in Colorado is $83,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $94,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges environmental planners face when balancing development needs with environmental protection?

Environmental Planners often encounter the challenge of finding a compromise between supporting sustainable development and ensuring regulatory compliance for environmental protection. This requires strong negotiation skills, as they must work with developers, government agencies, and community groups with differing priorities. Additionally, Environmental Planners frequently analyze complex data, conduct impact assessments, and manage public input, which can add layers of complexity to decision-making. Successfully navigating these challenges involves clear communication, up-to-date knowledge of environmental laws, and creative problem-solving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Planner, you need a solid background in environmental science, urban planning, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in regulatory compliance. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and knowledge of environmental laws and permitting processes is essential. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills help you navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure that development projects are both environmentally responsible and compliant with regulations, balancing ecological concerns with community needs.

What does an environmental planner do?

An environmental planner is responsible for ensuring that urban and residential development projects comply with environmental codes and laws. As an environmental planner, you are considered an engineering expert who focuses on the sustainability and conservation of natural resources so that these projects make as small of an impact as possible. In this career, you are primarily concerned about compliance with established standards on environmental issues, so you work closely with government agencies such as the EPA and other related departments. You often work out in the field helping developers get the needed environmental permits. Other job duties include writing reports and documentation as part of the project development process.

What can you do with an environmental planner degree?

An environmental planner degree prepares individuals for roles in land use planning, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable development. Professionals in this field often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or private companies, utilizing skills in GIS, environmental regulations, and project management to develop plans that balance development and conservation goals.

What skills do you need to be an environmental planner?

Environmental planners need strong analytical skills, knowledge of environmental regulations, and proficiency in GIS software. They should also have good communication skills for stakeholder engagement and project management abilities to coordinate planning efforts effectively.

How much do environmental planners make in the US?

Environmental planners in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals often hold a bachelor's degree in environmental planning, environmental science, or related fields, and may pursue certifications to enhance their earning potential.

What is the difference between Environmental Planner vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental PlannerEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, or related fields; certifications like AICPBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields; often requires research experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, consulting firms, urban development projects; focus on planning and complianceResearch labs, environmental agencies, fieldwork; focus on data collection and analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in urban planning, environmental compliance, and development projectsUsed in environmental research, conservation, and scientific studies

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Environmental Planners primarily develop plans and policies for sustainable development and compliance, whereas Environmental Scientists conduct research and analyze data to understand environmental conditions. Their work often overlaps but serves different purposes within environmental projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Planner jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Environmental Planner jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Environmental Planner jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Environmental Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Planner job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,947 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Environmental Planner

ICF

Fort Collins, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$69K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Environmental Planner

Ready to make a difference?

We are the Environment & Planning Division of ICF. We are passionate about doing what's right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists. We are collaborative, curious, and committed to excellence-these are qualities we value that make us who we are and inspire us to grow. If you perform well in a fast-paced, engaging and collaborative environment, and would like to work with a diverse team of industry professionals, we encourage you to learn more about ICF (www.icf.com) and consider applying to join our team.

We provide environmental planning, policy, permitting, and other services to clients. To support our growth, ICF is seeking an Environmental Planner to work remotely within the Mountain West. This position will support clients' permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for land use planning, energy (including traditional and renewable energy), and other infrastructure projects.

Why you will love working here:

  • Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance
  • Investment of the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
  • Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)

ICF is seeking an Environmental Planner to support our Mountain West planning team. The position is based in the Mountain West with the option to work remotely. ICF provides environmental planning, policy, permitting, and other services to clients. We prepare environmental impact statements (EISs) and environmental assessments (EAs) for complex and often controversial projects nationwide, including energy, mining, transmission, transportation, and other infrastructure projects and regulatory programs, and management of land use, water, recreation and other resources. We manage environmental review processes that include consultation with regulatory agencies; public involvement; analysis of environmental, cultural, socioeconomic, and other impacts; and specification of measures to mitigate adverse impacts. Our clients include federal, state, and local agencies, and private companies.

Staff in this position may provide a range of services including:

  • Federal, state, and local permitting and compliance for traditional and renewable energy, transmission, land use planning, and other projects in compliance with NEPA, and other regulations.
  • Federal agency headquarters environmental support, including NEPA compliance.
  • Technical services including biological surveys and studies, air quality analysis, noise impact assessments and other resource-related studies across a range of disciplines.

What you will do

You will be responsible for assisting in the planning and completing major project tasks related to the development and delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. An Environmental Planner works on multiple projects, interacts with all levels of staff, and will apply their academic and past work experience to a wide variety of complex projects. You will work directly with clients and senior staff, as well as internal and external experts in their field of expertise.

What you need to have (minimum qualifications):

  • Bachelor's Degree in Physical Science, Natural Science, Policy, Economics, Environmental Science or related disciplines.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in environmental consulting (for government or private sector clients) with clients in the natural resources, energy, transportation, and related infrastructure and federal market sectors.

Additional skills that will help you succeed:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to organize tasks, manage time effectively, and work collaboratively.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Project, MS Teams).
  • Familiarity with NEPA processes or environmental permitting.
  • Experience working with the Bureau of Land Management and/or U.S. Forest Service.
  • Experience supporting project management teams.
  • A proactive mindset-someone who takes initiative and helps move projects forward.
  • Commitment to client satisfaction and understanding client needs.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$61,232.00 - $104,094.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)