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Environmental Planner Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Planner 1

Denver, CO

$72K - $92K/yr

HDR is looking for an Environmental Planner I to support utility clients with environmental compliance, construction permitting, and local planning and permitting approvals. This role has a primary ...

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Join Crusoe Energy as our Senior Manager, Environmental Planning. In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental programs, systems, and ...

Environment: Standard office environment. * Travel: Global and domestic travel is required, up to 10% QUALIFICATIONS : * Familiarity with global demand patterns and long-cycle sales forecasting.

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Environmental Planner information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$49.9K

$84.8K

$113.7K

How much do environmental planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental planner in Wheat Ridge, CO is $84,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $95,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do environmental planners make in the US?

Environmental planners in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on location, education, experience, and certifications such as LEED or AICP, and the role often involves working with GIS tools and environmental regulations.

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 documentation, along with a background in environmental science, planning, or related fields. Certifications such as LEED or AICP can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Planner jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO?

The most popular types of Environmental Planner jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:

What job categories do people searching Environmental Planner jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Planner jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:

What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Environmental Planner jobs?

Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Environmental Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Planner job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,842 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Environmental Planner 1

HDR

Denver, CO

$72K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
HDR is looking for an Environmental Planner I to support utility clients with environmental compliance, construction permitting, and local planning and permitting approvals. This role has a primary focus on construction stormwater management permitting and compliance, with supplemental work supporting local land use and planning approvals, development permitting, construction and right-of-way permitting, floodplain permitting, wetland permitting, public outreach, and wildlife compliance support.

In this role, the candidate would be expected to:

  • Review local, State, and Federal regulations for applicability to projects
  • Review engineering design packages for environmental / local permitting compliance
  • Develop permitting matrices and timelines - for integration into client templates or overall schedules
  • Review engineering plans, mapping (GIS/CAD), local land use regulations and permit conditions, and assist in preparing environmental compliance documents
  • Manage simple permitting efforts, and support project manager with more complex permitting:
    • Compile permitting submittals inclusive of client provided and HDR produced documents, studies, or reports.
    • Facilitate comment response across multiple disciplines and project stakeholders
    • Upload and track permitting submittals through jurisdictional permitting portals
  • Concisely communicate permit conditions and requirements to client representatives and their contractors
  • Effectively communicate over phone, email, or messaging platforms
  • Accommodate changing project schedules and scopes - shifting attention as needed.
  • Manage tasks between competing project interests; track personal workload with support of supervisor.
  • Support ongoing project compliance through construction (reviewing inspection reports, attending routine calls, post-construction site visits and documentation)
  • Perform pre-construction and post-construction site visits

The candidate would work with an experienced team including other environmental scientists, planners, and project managers of varying experience and backgrounds. Candidate responsibilities would evolve to include:

  • Coordinating directly with client and permitting approval agencies representing HDR
  • Directing internal resources/supporting staff (CAD/GIS, wildlife biologists, land agents,  public outreach)
    • Coordinating/attending field visits
    • Communicating project scope and permit conditions to supporting staff
    • Overseeing deliverable production
  • Managing deliverable production and distribution and conduct file management per client and internal specifications
  • Development of figures and map sets in coordination with GIS/CAD staff
  • Lead erosion control and grading permit document production including plan and report development.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Capable of reading and understanding engineering plans for utility or land development projects
  • Experience working on behalf of utilities clients
  • Experience in local permitting or agency review processes.
  • Strong technical writing skills, including experience drafting agency correspondence memorandums and emails, permit applications, and other project documentation.
  • Experience on active construction sites.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work in an environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to safely drive around the State either in personal car or Company rental is a must. A valid Colorado driver's license is required.

Our team understands the value of expanding individual work portfolios and experience to keep job duties interesting and achieve career sustainability and growth. Additional workload and type would depend on skills, experience, and interest. A comfort and enthusiasm interacting with a variety of individuals will help foster successful career growth. 

Team members are currently working from Fort Collins, Denver, and remote locations along the front range and western slope of Colorado. The preferred candidate will be based out of the Fort Collins office. Flexibility on number of days in the office and working remotely is expected, with the assumption that the candidate would be in office 2-3 days per week to facilitate training and skill development. Long-term remote vs in office time is negotiable and will be based on past experience and level of training required. Our team encourages a healthy work-life balance that focuses on quality of service to our clients and participation in recurrent meetings while allowing for flexibility in work schedules. Site visits are sporadic with limited/few visits during winter months and up to 2-3 visits per month during busier months. Site visits rarely require overnight stay.

While this posting is for a full-time (40-hour per week) position, a part-time (minimum 30-hours per week) is also an option.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Resources or Planning
  • Experienced in MS Office Suite
  • Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
  • Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917