Entry Level Environmental Planner

Overview

VHB’s New York City office is looking for an Entry Level Environmental Planner to join our growing Environmental Planning team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic team, across diverse disciplines, giving you exposure to a wide variety of projects in size and scope. VHB has consistently been rated as one of the top Engineering Firms to work for up and down the East coast. VHB is proud to be named among CRAIN’S 100 Best Places to Work in New York City for three years in a row.

The Environmental Planner will assist on projects requiring compliance with City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR), the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as other strategic planning efforts conducted by various public, private, and non-profit entities. Particular experience will include CEQR projects that will be reviewed by the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP), New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and/or the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination (MOEC). Projects will vary and can include zoning policy changes, neighborhood plans and campuses, mixed-use developments, transit projects, and land use improvement programs. The Environmental Planner will contribute to these projects as an analyst and problem solver and will conduct analyses, write and create reports, participate in stakeholder and community engagement projects, and coordinate with partners across numerous specialties. We are looking for someone who is a collaborative and organized critical thinker and who wants to grow with VHB as they enter their career in urban planning and environmental work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare EAS, EAF, EIS, and similar environmental review documentation, which includes preparing quantitative, qualitative, and spatial analyses for the planning-related documentation, including: land use, zoning and public policy; community facilities; open space; socioeconomic conditions; shadows; urban design; infrastructure; coastal zone consistency; racial equity reports; alternatives analysis; neighborhood conditions
• Prepare environmental permitting documents
• Assist with research, data analysis, mapping, and community engagement tasks on a variety of strategic or community planning efforts
• Conduct site visits to document site and neighborhood conditions
• Assist with project management activities such as coordinating client and agency comments, coordinating activities within teams, and preparing schedules, quality plans, and work plans

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills, proficiency with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Self-motivated, fast learner
• Highly organized
• Capable of balancing and performing multiple tasks/projects in a professional environment
• Must be able to work independently and as a part of project teams
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and GIS familiarity
• Experience with SketchUp and Adobe Suite a plus
• Desire and willingness to work on a diversity of project types (e.g., real estate, transit/transportation, energy, public agency initiatives, etc.)
• Passion for urban planning, environmental, and economic development issues, and best practices

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of planning experience, whether through coursework or professional experience
• BA in Planning or related area of study relevant to specialization (e.g., Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Urban Design/Studies, Regional Planning, Sustainability Planning, Economics, Aviation, Civil Engineering, Urban Transportation Planning)
• Master’s Degree is a plus
• Knowledge or familiarity with the CEQR, SEQRA, and/or NEPA environmental review process is a plus

In order to apply, please upload your resume and cover letter. Cover letters should convey why you want to work at VHB and your qualifications for and interest in environmental planning. If you are selected for an interview, we may also ask for a work sample and a reference; please have these items ready to send upon request.
Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in New York City is $61,000-76,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.