Environmental Planner 2026P-0241
Ascension is seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Environmental Planner to support transportation planning and infrastructure initiatives with a strong focus on environmental compliance, regulatory analysis, and sustainability integration.
This role is critical to ensuring that transportation programs and infrastructure projects are planned, evaluated, and delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including NEPA. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical environmental planning expertise and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into actionable project guidance for multidisciplinary teams.
The Environmental Planner will play a key role in supporting environmental reviews, impact assessments, and regulatory documentation, ensuring that project delivery aligns with environmental laws while maintaining schedule and program objectives. This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Position Summary
The Environmental Planner provides technical support in the evaluation, documentation, and compliance of environmental planning activities related to transportation systems and infrastructure projects.
The ideal candidate is a self-driven professional who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment. They should be capable of analyzing environmental impacts, interpreting regulatory requirements, and supporting project teams in navigating compliance challenges. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while producing high-quality deliverables.
This position supports client needs by ensuring that environmental considerations are proactively integrated into planning and project development processes, reducing risk, avoiding delays, and supporting informed decision-making.
The Environmental Planner will leverage tools and processes such as:
- Environmental impact analysis frameworks (NEPA documentation processes)
- GIS tools and spatial data analysis
- Data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI)
- Regulatory tracking and documentation systems
- Stakeholder coordination and environmental review workflows
Day-to-Day Activities
- Conduct environmental analyses to support transportation planning and infrastructure projects
- Prepare environmental documentation including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), and supporting technical reports
- Evaluate potential environmental impacts related to land use, water resources, air quality, and ecological systems
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including NEPA requirements
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle
- Support environmental permitting processes and documentation submissions
- Analyze environmental data and develop reports, summaries, and recommendations
- Assist in stakeholder engagement efforts, including public involvement and interagency coordination
- Maintain environmental records, documentation logs, and compliance tracking tools
- Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies to minimize environmental impacts
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate environmental considerations into planning and design
- Review project plans and technical documents to ensure environmental compliance alignment
How to Apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY & SUBMIT YOUR RESUMEJob Features
| Job Category | Project Management, Urban Planning |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field | Strong written and verbal communication skills |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in environmental planning and analysis for transportation or infrastructure projects | Working knowledge of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) and environmental review processes | Understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and DOT guidance | Experience supporting environmental documentation and compliance activities |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills | Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) | Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment |
| DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS | Experience supporting transportation planning projects or DOT-related programs | Familiarity with GIS tools (ArcGIS or similar platforms) | Experience with environmental permitting processes | Knowledge of Maryland-specific environmental regulations and compliance frameworks | Experience supporting public engagement or stakeholder coordination activities | Familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) | Professional certifications such as AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) or working toward certification | Experience working in consulting or government contracting environments |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS | Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or equivalent suitability clearance, if required by the client |