Environmental Planning Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of climate change and environmental consciousness, the focus on Environmental Planning Managers has never been greater.
As sustainable practices evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and maintain green initiatives within various sectors.
But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s really expected of an Environmental Planning Manager?
Whether you are:
- An individual exploring the intricacies of this role,
- A recruiter seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the dynamics of environmental planning,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we introduce a tailor-made Environmental Planning Manager job description template, constructed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Environmental Planning Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Planning Managers are responsible for overseeing environmental planning projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable practices.
Their role involves strategic planning, management, and monitoring of environmental initiatives and projects.
Their key duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing environmental strategies and action plans that ensure corporate sustainable development
- Coordinating all aspects of pollution control, waste management, recycling, environmental health, conservation, and renewable energy
- Leading the implementation of environmental policies and practices
- Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and keeping up to date with new legislation and environmental standards
- Carrying out impact assessments to identify, assess and reduce an organization’s environmental risks and financial costs
- Promoting and managing sustainable development within an organization
- Liaising with relevant bodies such as local authorities, public bodies, and competent authorities
- Auditing, analyzing and reporting environmental performance to internal and external clients and regulatory bodies
- Creating and managing environmental awareness programs and educating staff about environmental issues
- Managing the development and implementation of environmental management systems
Environmental Planning Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Environmental Planning Manager to join our team.
In this role, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects that aim to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability.
You will work on a variety of environmental planning projects, including land use, ecosystem protection, and waste management.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in environmental science, planning, or related field, and have excellent project management and communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement environmental strategies and action plans to ensure sustainable development.
- Coordinate all aspects of pollution control, waste management, recycling, environmental health, conservation, and renewable energy.
- Lead the implementation of environmental policies and practices.
- Monitor environmental performance against standards and regulations.
- Conduct environmental audits and assessments, identifying and resolving environmental problems.
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and keep up-to-date with new legislation and regulations.
- Lead public meetings and hearings on environmental planning projects and proposals.
- Manage relations with regulatory bodies.
- Lead teams in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.
- Prepare environmental impact reports and documentation.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science, planning, or a related field.
- Proven experience in environmental planning or management.
- Knowledge of environmental legislation and policies.
- Strong project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Environmental Planning Manager
- Work Environment: Office setting with fieldwork as needed. Some travel may be required for site visits or meetings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Environmental Services.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Environmental Planning Manager Do?
Environmental Planning Managers typically work in various sectors such as local government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.
They oversee and manage the development and implementation of environmental planning projects and policies.
This includes conducting environmental impact assessments, developing mitigation measures, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Environmental Planning Managers work closely with a team of professionals, including environmental scientists, urban planners, and architects, to create sustainable development plans.
They also collaborate with stakeholders, such as community members and government officials, to gather inputs for planning projects.
Their job includes reviewing and analyzing environmental data and reports, developing environmental planning strategies, and presenting findings and recommendations to decision-makers.
In addition, Environmental Planning Managers may also be involved in grant writing and fundraising for environmental projects, and they often play a crucial role in public outreach and education on environmental issues.
Their work is critical in promoting sustainable development and ensuring a balance between development goals and environmental conservation.
Environmental Planning Manager Qualifications and Skills
An Environmental Planning Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Strong knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure that all planning activities are in compliance.
- Strategic planning and project management skills to oversee the planning and execution of environmental projects.
- Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex data and provide insightful solutions for environmental issues.
- Superior communication skills to work with a variety of stakeholders, such as government officials, community members, and corporate executives, ensuring that all environmental considerations are effectively communicated and understood.
- Strong leadership and team management skills to lead a team of environmental planners, providing guidance, and ensuring that all team members are working towards the same goals.
- Good problem-solving skills to address any unexpected issues or challenges that may arise during the planning or implementation phases of projects.
- Strong understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other related software to assist in the planning and visualization of environmental projects.
Environmental Planning Manager Experience Requirements
Entry-level candidates for an Environmental Planning Manager position typically require a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in environmental planning or a related field.
This experience can be gained through full-time roles, internships, or project-based assignments in areas such as urban planning, environmental policy, or environmental impact analysis.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a more solid foundation in environmental planning, having developed a broad range of skills and knowledge in areas such as strategic planning, project management, and regulatory compliance.
They are typically well-versed in environmental laws and regulations, and have experience in planning and executing environmental projects.
Those with over 10 years of experience typically have a significant amount of managerial experience, having led teams and managed multiple projects in the past.
They are skilled in strategic decision-making and have a deep understanding of environmental planning principles and practices.
In addition to work experience, a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field, along with professional certification, such as the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification, can also be beneficial for the role of an Environmental Planning Manager.
Environmental Planning Manager Education and Training Requirements
Environmental Planning Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, urban planning, or a related field.
A solid understanding of environmental laws, regulations, and policies, as well as practical planning and project management skills, are essential to this role.
Many positions may require a master’s degree in environmental planning, urban and regional planning, or another relevant field.
A master’s degree often includes in-depth study in areas such as environmental impact assessment, land-use planning, or environmental law.
Professional certification from organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can be beneficial and may be preferred or required by some employers.
Work experience in areas such as environmental consulting or public policy can also be beneficial.
This can provide practical experience and an understanding of the complexities and challenges of environmental planning.
Continuing education and professional development are important in this field due to the constantly changing environmental regulations and emerging sustainability issues.
Therefore, Environmental Planning Managers should be dedicated to ongoing learning to stay updated with the latest trends and developments.
Environmental Planning Manager Salary Expectations
An Environmental Planning Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $81,487 (USD) per year.
This salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, and the location of the job.
Additionally, the type of organization employing the manager may also influence the salary.
Environmental Planning Manager Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Environmental Planning Manager need?
Environmental Planning Managers need strong analytical skills to assess environmental data and make informed decisions.
They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with various stakeholders, including government officials, community members, and project team.
A keen attention to detail, project management capabilities, and a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulations are also essential.
Do Environmental Planning Managers need a degree?
Yes, Environmental Planning Managers usually require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental planning, urban planning, or a related field.
However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in a related field.
Additionally, they may need to have specific certifications or licenses depending on the regulations of the region in which they work.
What should you look for in an Environmental Planning Manager’s resume?
An Environmental Planning Manager’s resume should reflect substantial experience in environmental planning or management, ideally in a leadership role.
You should also look for familiarity with environmental laws and regulations, project management experience, and evidence of successful environmental planning initiatives.
Certifications and membership of relevant professional bodies can also be an indicator of the candidate’s commitment to the field.
What qualities make a good Environmental Planning Manager?
A good Environmental Planning Manager is a strategic thinker with excellent leadership skills.
They should have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and a deep understanding of environmental legislation.
Good Environmental Planning Managers are adept at managing relationships with diverse stakeholders and are able to communicate complex environmental data and planning concepts in a clear, understandable way.
What are the daily duties of an Environmental Planning Manager?
Daily duties of an Environmental Planning Manager may include conducting environmental impact assessments, reviewing and interpreting environmental legislation, managing environmental planning projects, liaising with stakeholders, and making strategic decisions regarding environmental planning initiatives.
They also spend time preparing and presenting reports on the environmental implications of particular projects and may be involved in community consultation processes.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve drawn back the veil on the true essence of being an Environmental Planning Manager.
And you know what?
It’s not just about managing resources.
It’s about shaping a sustainable future, one environmental plan at a time.
Armed with our indispensable Environmental Planning Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready for the next step.
But why stop here?
Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every environmental plan contributes to a larger vision.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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