Environmental Planner

Applied Ecology, Inc., a small, but rapidly growing environmental consulting firm, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Environmental Planner with a strong GIS and technical writing background to support public sector environmental consulting projects. This role focuses on integrating spatial analysis with environmental planning to guide sustainable land use, infrastructure development, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate will apply GIS tools, communication skills, and planning principles to analyze natural resources and climate conditions, assess impacts, and support federal, state, and local government agency projects.

AEI has three offices located in Florida (Orlando, Melbourne, and Tampa) and is a regional leader in managing water and natural resources, engineering, planning, and geospatial applications. This is an onsite position to support our Planning and Geospatial Team in the Melbourne, FL office. AEI will consider staffing this position in the Orlando or Tampa officed for the right candidate.

As a small business, we are involved in diverse yet challenging environmental research projects that require innovative approaches and out-of-the-box solutions. Our business provides a great opportunity for an individual passionate about research to solve real-world environmental problems while working with a highly qualified multi-disciplinary team of scientists, analysts, and engineers. This position is ideal for someone who prefers a high-energy environment working on diverse projects ranging from developing lake restoration plans, habitat management plans, sustainability plans, comprehensive plans, guiding ordinance development and application, evaluating climate assessment risks on natural and manmade assets, and many more.

Candidates must demonstrate experience in communicating effectively, developing plans, and applying spatial analyses to understand environmental issues in Florida and the southeastern US. Additional competency is desired in one or more areas including sustainability planning, participatory planning, transportation planning, comprehensive plan development, coastal management, habitat and species management and monitoring, resiliency and climate adaptation planning, shoreline restoration and monitoring, and/or environmental protection policies and programs. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in environmental planning or similar discipline, is a solid technical writer, possesses willingness to step into project task management, and is a great communicator and team collaborator.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Kelsey Mack, AICP, Planning and Geospatial Services Line Manager, Applied Ecology, Inc.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and synthesize environmental data related to vegetation, soils, hydrology, wildlife habitats, climate conditions and other natural resources.
• Interpret and apply GIS-based environmental analyses to support public sector projects, including land use, wetlands, habitat, floodplains, and environmental constraints.
• Support environmental reviews and permitting processes (e.g., NEPA, CEQA, state/local environmental regulations).
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), and planning documents.
• Research and interpret federal, state, and local environmental regulations, policies, plans, and technical guidance to support projects. planning and decision-making.
• Conduct site suitability and impact analyses for infrastructure, transportation, and resilience projects.
• Assist in developing and updating sustainability, climate resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental management plans and policies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (engineers, scientists, planners, and public agencies).
• Support stakeholder engagement by developing clear, visually compelling maps, graphics, presentations and other communication materials.
• Conduct fieldwork to collect and validate environmental and spatial data when required.
• Review and quality-control technical analyses, maps, reports, and other project deliverables for accuracy, consistency, clarity, and compliance with project requirements.
• Manage multiple tasks and project priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work products.
• Assist with project coordination, including tracking schedules, deliverables, data needs, and regulatory or planning requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Regional or Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, Geography, GIS, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, Sustainability, or a related field.
• 2–6+ years of experience in environmental planning, GIS analysis, or environmental consulting.
• AICP certification (or ability to obtain certification within 2 years)
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and permitting frameworks (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, State of Florida ERPs).
• Experience working with public sector clients (federal, state, or local agencies).
• Ability to integrate spatial and analytical data with environmental policies and planning processes.
• Strong analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work on DOD contracts (US Citizen).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency in GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and/or QGIS.
• Experience with climate resilience, vulnerability assessments, coastal management, or sustainability planning.
• Experience with planning practices, policies and initiatives specific to Florida communities.
• Knowledge of environmental impact analysis tools and modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in scripting or automation (e.g., Python, ModelBuilder, SQL).
• Experience with data management, large dataset QA/QC, spatial analysis technologies, process design and modeling, and web GIS technologies.
• Familarity with grant-supported public sector projects or federally funded programs.
• Experience with visualization tools (e.g., StoryMaps, dashboards, Adobe Illustrator, Canva).
• Public sector project experience (state, local, or federal government).
• Prior project management experience, including developing scopes and budgets, managing workflows, and completing quality review of deliverables.
• Training or supervisory experience.
• Experience presenting data and final products to technical peers and/or clients.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are valued but not required for the role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Possesses effective analytical, critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to learn new concepts, technologies and best practices.
• Is highly motivated to learn and contribute to the growing Planning and Geospatial Services Line.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite with expertise using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and familiarity with Access.
• Able to apply planning principles and develop logical, well-supported recommendations.
• Able to conduct independent research and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Able to work in the field in various weather conditions, lift heavy equipment (30 pounds), and stand, bend, twist, and walk for 8 hours a day.
• Able to organize and prioritize time to execute multiple projects effectively.
• Able to peer review and quality assure final data products created by the planning team.
• Detail-oriented and takes pride in delivering high quality work.
• Self-motivated with a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Exhibits professional, courteous demeanor.

*Applied Ecology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our firm is committed through responsible management policies to recruit, hire, promote, train, transfer, compensate, and administer all other personnel actions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a protected veteran and any other factor prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules, and regulations.*communities worldwide!

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Environmental planning: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• AICP Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Melbourne, FL 32901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person