Environmental Planner

What is an environmental planner?

An environmental planner is someone who assesses and manages the potential impacts of human activities on the environment.

What does an environmental planner do?

Usually, an environmental planner does the following:

• Works with government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations to develop strategies for sustainable land use and resource management
• Assesses the environmental impacts of proposed development projects, such as construction or infrastructure projects
• Conducts research and collects data on environmental conditions and regulations
• Prepares reports and recommendations on how to minimize or mitigate negative environmental impacts
• Collaborates with stakeholders, such as local communities and environmental organizations, to ensure their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes

What does the day-to-day life of an environmental planner look like?

An environmental planner usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the organization or project requirements. They might spend their time:

• Conducting fieldwork to collect environmental data or assess project sites
• Analyzing data and preparing reports, presentations, and environmental impact assessments
• Attending meetings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders to discuss project requirements and progress
• Researching and staying up-to-date with environmental regulations and policies
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, and landscape designers, to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into development plans

Where does an environmental planner work?

Environmental planners can work in various settings, including:

• Government agencies: Local authorities, national agencies, or environmental protection bodies employ environmental planners to enforce regulations and oversee sustainable development projects.
• Private companies: Companies involved in infrastructure development, construction, or resource extraction may employ environmental planners to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
• Consulting firms: Environmental planning consultancies provide specialized services to clients, such as conducting environmental impact assessments or developing sustainability strategies.
• Non-profit organizations: Environmental advocacy groups or conservation organizations may hire environmental planners to work on specific projects or policy development.

What tools/software/hardware does an environmental planner use?

An environmental planner utilizes a range of tools and software, including:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Software used to analyze spatial data and create maps for visualizing environmental features and impacts.
• Environmental modeling software: Tools that simulate and assess the potential impacts of development projects on the environment.
• Data collection equipment: This may include field instrumentation, such as water quality meters or air samplers, and devices for geographic data collection, like GPS units or drones.

What do I need to become an environmental planner?

There are several ways to become an environmental planner, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Pursuing a degree in environmental planning, geography, environmental science, or a related field is typically the first step.
• Master's degree: Some positions may require or prefer candidates with a master's degree in environmental planning or a specialized area such as urban planning or environmental management.
• Professional certification: Obtaining certification from a relevant professional organization, such as the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) or the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), can enhance job prospects and professional credibility.

What career paths are available?

There are various career paths available to environmental planners, including:

• Senior Environmental Planner: With experience and expertise, environmental planners can take on more senior roles, overseeing larger projects and leading teams.
• Environmental Manager: Some environmental planners transition into managerial positions, where they oversee multiple projects and coordinate environmental initiatives within organizations.
• Environmental Consultant: Environmental planners can work as independent consultants, offering specialized services to clients on a project-by-project basis.

What jobs are similar to an environmental planner?

• Urban Planner: Urban planners focus on the development and management of urban areas, considering factors such as land use, transportation, and infrastructure.
• Sustainability Consultant: Sustainability consultants help organizations develop and implement strategies to reduce their environmental impact and improve social responsibility.
• Ecologist: Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their environments, including the potential impacts of human activities on ecosystems.

What made you want to become an environmental planner?

How did you get your first environmental planner job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an environmental planner?

Are you an environmental planner? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers in environmental planning. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.