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Environmental Planner Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time Whats the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$129.30K - $145.50K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Tacoma, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Seattle, WA ยท On-site +1

$141K - $159K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site +1

$129.30K - $145.50K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Tacoma, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site +1

$129.30K - $145.50K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Tacoma, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Seattle, WA ยท On-site +1

$141K - $159K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Tacoma, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time Whats the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

Managing Environmental Planner

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$141K - $159K/yr

Managing Environmental Planner Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and ...

In the role of Senior Environmental Planner , we'll count on you to: * Direct environmental review permit preparation and acquisition on projects, including identification permitting triggers ...

In the role of Senior Environmental Planner , we'll count on you to: * Direct environmental review permit preparation and acquisition on projects, including identification permitting triggers ...

Anchor QEA is seeking a full-time Environmental Planner / Permitting Specialist to support the acquisition of regulatory permits and approvals for waterfront construction and redevelopment, dredging ...

Anchor QEA is seeking a full-time Environmental Planner / Permitting Specialist to support the acquisition of regulatory permits and approvals for waterfront construction and redevelopment, dredging ...

Provide leadership and technical oversight on environmental planning and compliance, including experience with Environmental Impact Statements through NEPA and SEPA reviews, and related federal ...

Provide leadership and technical oversight on environmental planning and compliance, including experience with Environmental Impact Statements through NEPA and SEPA reviews, and related federal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Environmental Planner information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$53.7K

$91.2K

$122.2K

How much do environmental planner jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental planner in Seattle, WA is $91,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $102,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA? For Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Planner jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Environmental Planner jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Environmental Planner job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Planner job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,210 per year, or $43.9 per hour.
Managing Environmental Planner

Managing Environmental Planner

Anchor QEA

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Title: Managing Environmental Planner

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Regular Full-time


Whats the Opportunity?

Lead project teams in the development and implementation of environmental planning and permitting strategies for a variety of projects related to land use planning, port and waterfront redevelopment, and transportation and energy infrastructure siting. You will oversee the development of technical studies and environmental assessments and interact with clients, agencies, and other consultant teams to help develop important projects focusing on the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities:

The managing planner will join Anchor QEAs growing planning and permitting team in the Pacific Northwest to lead environmental impact reviews and permitting processes for a variety of projects. This work includes the following responsibilities:

  • Lead the preparation of environmental impact statements in accordance with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Oversee the preparation of permit application materials, by providing vision and guidance for staff on the review and interpretation of land use and development codes and regulatory agency requirements
  • Act as the primary interface with clients, agencies, and other consultant team members regarding project strategies, technical approach and implementation schedules
  • Develop and manage project scopes of work, budgets, and schedules
  • Contribute meaningfully to Anchor QEAs pipeline by leading or supporting competitive project pursuits, helping develop growth strategies, and serving as a subject matter expert on proposals, where applicable


What Are We Looking For?

Ideal candidates will have the following:

  • Bachelors degree or higher with 12+ years of relevant experience, preferably including environmental consulting experience
  • Experienced in developing environmental documentation related to:
    • NEPA and SEPA
    • Endangered Species Act
    • Clean Water Act, Section 404/Section 401
    • Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act
    • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
    • Coastal Zone Management Act
    • Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act
    • Hydraulic Project Approvals
    • Aquatic Use Authorizations
    • Forest Practices
    • Washington Growth Management Act, Shoreline Management Act, Critical Areas, and zoning
  • Experience managing projects and leading teams of people
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Able to effectively balance workload to accommodate project schedules and deliverables
  • Experience in leading proposals for competitive pursuits of new projects

What Can You Expect?

A managing-level environmental planner at Anchor QEA can expect:

  • Strategic, impact-focused role, shaping project approaches and outcomes
  • Highly supportive environment, leading multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams
  • High-visibility client and agency interaction, helping to guide key decision makers
  • Ownership of business development strategies, emphasizing valued relationships
  • Opportunities to shape the firms future with visibility into strategic planning
  • Culture of flexibility and accountability with an emphasis on work-life balance

Who Are We?

Anchor QEA provides environmental planning, science, and engineering consulting services with the mission of transforming our environment and communities with integrity and vibe. With more than 500 people in offices across the United States, our collective vision is to be an inclusive, sustainable, and growing environmental innovator making generational impacts. By embodying our core values, we strive to be our clients first choice for solving their most challenging problems and to be our employees reason to be excited about going to work each morning. Learn more about Anchor QEA at
www.anchorqea.com.

How to Apply?

Apply online through Anchor QEAs Open Positions page at https://www.anchorqea.com/careers/careers-open-positions/. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to recruitment@anchorqea.com

Additional Information

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA is committed to a diverse, multi-cultural work environment. Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veterans status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a comprehensive background check.

Salary and Other Compensation:

  • Salary Range: $141,000 - $159,000
  • Annual Bonus
  • Other potential bonus types: Billable Time Bonus, Spot Bonus, Milestone Anniversary Bonus, Receiving Professional License/Certification Bonus, Peer-reviewed Publication Bonus, Employee Referral Bonus.

Base Level Benefits for Regular Full-Time Positions:

  • Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D insurance
  • Paid Company and Floating Holidays: 7 paid company and 2 floating holidays annually
  • Vacation: 3 weeks accrued paid vacation based on length of service. Vacation may vary by level.
  • Sick and Safe Time: 80 hours annually
  • Retirement Plan: 401k plan with an employer match * Further information on benefits: https://anchorqea.com/careers/benefits/

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a comprehensive background check