Environmental Planner

As populations continue to increase and grow, they are placing more and more pressure on natural resources, ecosystems, and the environment. More people are demanding goods and services in a world that has finite resources and finite abilities to absorb waste. Environmental Planners are tasked with balancing the impacts that modern societies have on the environment. They do this by devising innovative solutions and creating frameworks that are compatible with sustainability, environmental impact mitigation, and ecological protection.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field is generally required to become an Environmental Planner. Entry-level positions can be directly attainable with a Bachelor’s degree, however, most Environmental Planners who manage teams or attain more influence and leadership within an organization, pursue a Master’s degree or PhD. Some with Bachelor’s degrees may enter in a support role with the intent to study part-time for higher education in Environmental Planning.

Skills and Knowledge

To be successful in this role, one should have skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Environmental science and ecology
• Urban and regional planning
• Policy analysis and development
• Stakeholder engagement and outreach
• GIS mapping and spatial analysis
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Environmental impact assessment
• Sustainable development

Tools and Resources

Environmental Planners rely on the following tools and resources to complete their work:

• GIS mapping and analysis software
• Environmental modeling software
• Stakeholder engagement and outreach tools
• Policy analysis and development tools

Day-to-Day of Environmental Planners

The day-to-day responsibilities of Environmental Planners can vary depending on their specific role and organization. However, some common tasks include:

• Conduct environmental impact assessments
• Develop and implement environmental planning policies
• Conduct stakeholder engagement and outreach
• Monitor and evaluate environmental planning initiatives

Challenges of Environmental Planners

Environmental Planners face a number of challenges in their work, including:

• The need to balance environmental protection with economic development
• The need to address climate change and other environmental challenges
• The need to work with a variety of stakeholders with different interests
• The need to make decisions based on incomplete or uncertain information

Growth and Advancement

There are a number of opportunities for growth and advancement for Environmental Planners. With experience, they can move into more senior roles with greater responsibility. They can also specialize in a particular area of environmental planning, such as climate change mitigation or environmental impact assessment. Some Environmental Planners may also choose to pursue a career in academia or research.

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that Environmental Planners develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers. These skills include:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Policy analysis and development skills
• Stakeholder engagement and outreach skills

Personal Qualities

People who are successful in this career generally have the following personal qualities:

• A strong interest in environmental protection
• A commitment to sustainability
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as an Environmental Planner. These projects include:

• Conducting an environmental impact assessment of a local development project
• Developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a community
• Conducting a stakeholder engagement process on a local environmental issue
• Researching and writing a paper on a current environmental issue

Online Courses

There are many online courses that can help learners better prepare for a career as an Environmental Planner. These courses can provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this role. Some of the skills and knowledge that learners can gain from these courses include:

• Environmental science and ecology
• Urban and regional planning
• Policy analysis and development
• Stakeholder engagement and outreach
• GIS mapping and spatial analysis
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Environmental impact assessment
• Sustainable development

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for those who are interested in a career as an Environmental Planner. These courses can provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this role. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to follow a path to this career. Learners who are interested in a career as an Environmental Planner should also pursue a degree in a related field and gain experience through internships or other work experience.