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Environmental Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Pure Fishing

Planner

Spirit Lake, IA · On-site

Planner At Pure Fishing, our Planners play a vital role in ensuring the right products are ... Able to work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail. * Able to identify and adjust to ...

Brown & Root

Mechanical Planner

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Heavy industrial environments * Prior planning experience preferred. Skills & Knowledge * Strong understanding of mechanical systems and rotating equipment * Ability to read: * P&IDs * Isometric ...

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Career Planner

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.39 - $22.83/hr

Career Planner Reports to Project Director Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary Objectives ... paced environment; strong familiarity with regulatory entities and their laws, policies, and ...

Brown & Root

Mechanical Planner

Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Summary The Mechanical Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and preparing ... industrial environment. This role develops detailed job plans, coordinates materials and labor ...

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Career Planner

Davenport, IA · On-site

$21.39 - $22.83/hr

Career Planner Reports to Project Director Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary Objectives ... paced environment; strong familiarity with regulatory entities and their laws, policies, and ...

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Career Planner

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$21.39 - $22.83/hr

Career Planner Reports to Project Director Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary Objectives ... paced environment; strong familiarity with regulatory entities and their laws, policies, and ...

Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Career Planner

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$21.39 - $22.83/hr

Career Planner Reports to Project Director Position Classification: Non-exempt Primary Objectives ... paced environment; strong familiarity with regulatory entities and their laws, policies, and ...

Brown and Root

Mechanical Planner

Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Summary The Mechanical Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and preparing ... industrial environment. This role develops detailed job plans, coordinates materials and labor ...

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Environmental Planner information

See Iowa salary details

$44.1K

$75K

$100.5K

How much do environmental planner jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental planner in Iowa is $74,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Environmental Planners 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 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 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 does an Environmental Planner do?

An Environmental Planner is responsible for assessing the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects and developments. They work to ensure that construction and land use plans comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. This often involves conducting environmental impact assessments, working with government agencies, and engaging with the public to incorporate environmental considerations into planning decisions. Their goal is to balance development needs with the protection of natural resources.

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.

More about Environmental Planner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa? For Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Planner jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Environmental Planner jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Environmental Planner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Planner jobs in IA? For Environmental Planner jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Environmental Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Planner job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,986 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Principal Planner - Transportation Planning and Policy

Principal Planner - Transportation Planning and Policy

HNTB

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

HNTB rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
This opportunity entails being responsible for applying planning strategies utilizing various technologies and tools to gather, analyze data, and assess outcomes. Develop strategic messages and recommendations for project staff and executive leadership on policy and project development. Skilled in translating complex concepts into compelling narratives that engage diverse stakeholders.
This position performs tasks for planning projects including research, studies, and documentation, coordinating with multi-discipline team members, from concept development through project completion. This position develops technical solutions and strategies for planning projects may serve as a task leader or project manager on a limited basis for select small scale project. This is a lead role to direct, mentor, and train earlier career staff.

What You'll Do:

  • Monitors internal and external coordination aspects with project team members, including other discipline areas involved with the project.
  • Oversees research on issues, policies, and concepts pertaining to planning and environmental planning. Reviews findings and formulates recommendations.
  • Develops conceptual planning alternatives for urban and transportation planning projects.
  • Oversees tasks related to preparing and producing technical plans, studies, written reports, and environmental documents.
  • Coordinates with clients, sub-consultants, and in-house personnel regularly to complete assigned tasks.
  • Monitors design and technical continuity throughout projects in area of expertise.
  • Directs teams on projects of large scale.
  • Directs major sections of and leads production of plans, studies, reports, and environmental documents for transportation and infrastructure projects. Also coordinates and synthesizes the contributions of others.
  • Prepares graphics, technical reports, fee proposals, scope of work, and responses to Request for Proposals for planning and environmental projects.
  • Creates project presentation materials, concepts, graphics, and reports to the client and community groups.
  • Develops planning and analysis strategies using tools such as GIS, traffic, or safety software to manipulate data, assess scenarios, and perform project analysis.
  • Supports department managers and office leadership with strategic planning, staffing/training, and other special projects.
  • Recruits, hires, develops and retains staff, including development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, and succession. Coordinates schedules and approves timecards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, Environmental Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field and 12 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, Environmental Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field and 11 years of relevant experience

What We Prefer:

Experience working with:

  • State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) , especially in advisory, policy or programming roles
  • Transit agencies and local governments, including regional planning and stakeholder engagement
  • Federal agency and industry-wide initiatives in policy, communication and program frameworks

Hands-on experience with:

  • Strategic planning, policy and leadership

  • Project and program management

  • Working knowledge of data analytics, including transportation datasets and performance metrics

  • Marketing engagement and outreach including pursuit management and proposal writing

  • Federal discretionary grant writing and management, including Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)

Leadership & Communication

  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects

  • Strong communication skills for public engagement, interagency coordination, and technical presentations

  • Experience mentoring junior staff and fostering collaborative team environments

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.#ET

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Locations:

Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Oklahoma City, OK, Overland Park, KS (Sprint Parkway), St. Louis, MO

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

What HNTB employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914

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