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Nepa Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Principal NEPA Planner

Chicago, IL

$88K - $154K/yr

Applying solid foundational knowledge of NEPA guidelines to develop planning strategies supportive of various regional road & highway projects. * Performing transportation planning work assignments ...

Parsons Corporation

Principal NEPA Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Applying solid foundational knowledge of NEPA guidelines to develop planning strategies supportive of various regional road & highway projects. * Performing transportation planning work assignments ...

Stantec

Senior/Mid-Level NEPA Planner

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$91K - $132K/yr

Your Opportunity Experienced National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) planner and environmental planner with ability to write NEPA documents and support projects through the federal environmental ...

Stantec

Senior/Mid-Level NEPA Planner

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Your Opportunity Experienced National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) planner and environmental planner with ability to write NEPA documents and support projects through the federal environmental ...

Wood Plc

Environmental Planner (NEPA)

Ballwin, MO · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

This dynamic team of over 50 individuals is focused on natural and cultural resources and NEPA compliance and works collaboratively within the region and with other planners, scientists, and ...

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Nepa Planner information

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$69.3K

$101.5K

How much do nepa planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for nepa planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NEPA planner?

NEPA Planners are professionals who guide projects through the environmental review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They are responsible for assessing potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, preparing necessary documentation such as Environmental Assessments (EAs) or Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. NEPA Planners work closely with agencies, stakeholders, and the public to identify environmental concerns and recommend mitigation measures. Their work ensures that decision-makers are fully informed about the environmental consequences of their actions before projects move forward.

What are some typical challenges a NEPA planner might face when coordinating with multiple stakeholders during the environmental review process?

NEPA Planners often encounter the challenge of balancing the interests and concerns of various stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, local communities, and private organizations. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as stakeholders may have differing priorities or levels of understanding regarding environmental impacts. Managing project timelines while ensuring thorough compliance with regulatory requirements can also be demanding, especially when addressing complex or controversial projects. Successful NEPA Planners proactively facilitate collaboration, maintain transparent documentation, and adapt to evolving project needs.

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

To thrive as a NEPA Planner, you need a solid understanding of environmental regulations, impact assessment methodologies, and often a degree in environmental science, planning, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and compliance documentation systems is typically required, along with certifications like AICP being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in coordinating with stakeholders and preparing clear, legally defensible reports. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance and the successful navigation of complex environmental review processes.

What is the difference between Nepa Planner vs Nepa Engineer?

AspectNepa PlannerNepa Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in planning, environmental science, or related field; certifications in planning or environmental management are commonRequires engineering degree (civil, environmental, or related); engineering licenses or certifications are often needed
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, focusing on project planning, environmental assessments, and regulatory complianceCombination of office work and site visits; involved in designing, implementing, and overseeing projects
Industry UsageUsed in environmental planning, urban development, and infrastructure projectsUsed in construction, environmental engineering, and infrastructure development

The Nepa Planner focuses on environmental and urban planning, project coordination, and regulatory compliance, while the Nepa Engineer is more involved in technical design, engineering solutions, and project implementation. Both roles are essential in infrastructure projects but differ in their technical scope and responsibilities.

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Nepa Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nepa Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Principal NEPA Planner

Parsons

Chicago, IL

$88K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Our Parsons Chicago office is now hiring for a Principal Transportation Planner to support a variety of transportation projects in Illinois, Iowa, and the surrounding region. The Principal Transportation Planner at this level will have solid experience in transportation projects for local, state, and national agencies. Typical project assignments will involve utilizing knowledge of NEPA to guide and support multi-modal corridor planning and analysis, environmental impact assessment, land use planning, stakeholder engagement, smart mobility, and complete street planning and design. This role will support the planning and engineering teams in our regional transportation infrastructure practice.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Applying solid foundational knowledge of NEPA guidelines to develop planning strategies supportive of various regional road & highway projects.
  • Performing transportation planning work assignments, including data collection and research, corridor and regional studies, multi-modal planning and design, compiling results, and writing reports.
  • Preparing, coordinating, and facilitating public involvement and consensus-building meetings and workshops.
  • Supporting transportation engineering and planning team in our region.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with existing and future clients.
  • Collaborating with business development team to support project development activities.
  • Directing the preparation of graphics and mapping.
  • Supporting work of team members in the delivery of studies, reports, and plans.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Must have a 4-year degree in Urban/ Environmental Planning (or related field) and 10 years or more of related work experience.
  • AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners Certification) is desirable at this level.
  • Demonstrated experience with transportation planning initiatives to support transportation projects is essential.
  • Solid knowledge and experience with NEPA regulations and guidelines is required, including preparing purpose and need statements and alternatives development and evaluation documents.
  • The preferred candidate will have recent experience working on Illinois Department of Transportation projects.

Security Clearance Requirement:

NoneThis position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

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