Full-Time

Lead Environmental Planner

Posted on 10/31/2025

WSP

WSP

10,001+ employees

Global engineering consulting and advisory services

Compensation Overview

$84.7k - $141.7k/yr

Albuquerque, NM, USA + 1 more

More locations: Dolores, CO, USA

Hybrid

Travel up to 50% may be required.

Category
Lab & Research (2)
,
Requirements
  • 7-10 years of experience working in the environmental planning field, completing environmental field surveys for plants and animals, construction support, impact assessments, and permitting
  • Bachelor’s or Graduate Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Exceptional technical writing skills
  • Effective analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and identification of wildlife and vegetation species common to the western United States
  • Knowledge of relevant environmental laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory frameworks
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others and expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience
  • Proficiency with local plant and animal identification
  • Experience with discipline-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS)
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements
Responsibilities
  • Manages the planning, development, and implementation of environmental projects to ensure that development projects comply with environmental laws and regulations with minimal supervision
  • Develop planning studies and documents related to environmental planning, including; National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act documentation and/or other environmental planning documentation, figures, and maps for environmental and transportation planning studies
  • Authors technical reports with clarity and minimal grammatical or spelling errors
  • Conducts biological evaluations and wetland studies in support of planning projects
  • Prepares and completes environmental survey reports, data entry, impact assessment, and permitting activities for assigned projects (e.g. Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act permitting, NEPA, etc.)
  • Provides environmental risk identification and impact assessment, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and permitting activities projects to minimize impacts to the health of the environment and the population
  • Assist with scoping, strategic planning, and developing permitting execution strategy for clients on small - medium-sized projects
  • Actively engage in business development and proposal writing
  • Demonstrated commitment to keeping up-to-date in knowledge of current regulations and planning practices
  • Coordination, preparation, and submittal of development permit applications and other land use planning for energy (oil/gas, renewables, etc.), transportation, mining, or government projects with minimal supervision
  • Maintains and designs project tracking mechanisms, process design, and record keeping
  • Oversees implementation of project development requirements with WSP personnel, outside contractors, and agency / tribal stakeholders
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs
  • Participate in decision making to carry out land development with consideration given to the natural environment, social, political, and economic factors to achieve sustainable outcomes while following local, state, federal, and/or tribal environmental regulations and procedures
  • Conducts data collection, research, field surveys, and technical work under supervision - up to 50% time spent traveling
  • Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, associated physical and wildlife sensitivities, and to uncover primary, secondary, and tertiary environmental impacts
  • Prepares technical memoranda, documentation, and reports under minimal supervision
  • Remain current in latest environmental planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques
  • Responsible for understanding regulatory rules and rule changes
  • Manage field calendar for biological and cultural field surveys, often for multiple projects in multiple locations with up to 6 staff in the field at one time
  • Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams in executing project work, permitting strategy, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance, including project budgets, tracking hours and expenses, and task completion
  • Provide guidance to junior staff or interns to assist with project flow
  • Coordinate with clients, resource/regulatory agencies, and environmental and technical staff in a confident and professional manner
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients
  • Manage field crews remotely or while in the field to ensure staff safety and adherence to proper protocols for data collection, documentation, and integrity
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
  • Participate in public and stakeholder engagement in a professional manner
  • Other duties as required by business needs
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous environmental consulting experience
  • Project Management experience, including proposal writing, client coordination, and managing scope / schedule / budget / staff
  • Growing industry knowledge through participating in local professional practice organization
  • Exposure to ArcGIS
  • Experience working with tribal, federal, state, or local agencies and the public
  • Experience with field delineation of wetlands and waters of the United States or other field or permitting activities
  • Experience conducting protocol surveys for special status species, particularly avian raptors and endangered plants
  • Experience creating, editing, and analyzing information within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to produce maps and spatial analysis for a variety of topic areas, including: natural resources, land use / land cover, ecotypes, habitat, etc.
  • Familiarity with rules and regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act; Endangered Species Act; Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Clean Water Act; and state and local environmental rules and regulations and related reporting requirements (e.g., Environmental Assessments; Biological Assessments; Reclamation Plans; Pre-Construction Notifications; reclamation and restoration regulations)
  • Eager to participate in land management to promote responsible, sustainable development of oil and gas projects, renewable energy infrastructure, roads and bridges, and more

WSP is a global engineering consulting firm that provides technical and strategic advisory services across transportation, buildings, environment, energy, and resources. It helps governments, private firms, and nonprofits plan, design, manage, and engineer infrastructure projects that support communities. The company works through multidisciplinary teams delivering project-based contracts and long-term advisory engagements, with services spanning planning, design, management, and engineering. It differentiates itself through its worldwide footprint, breadth of expertise across multiple sectors, and ability to provide end-to-end solutions from initial planning to implementation and operations. WSP’s goal is to enable sustainable, resilient infrastructure that helps communities thrive by delivering reliable and efficient systems.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Oslo, Norway

Founded

1959

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • TRC acquisition adds 8,000 staff, making WSP top US Power & Energy consultant.
  • Sefton Council contract ensures recurring revenue through 2026 extensions.
  • Southampton extends WSP groundwater monitoring to January 2026 amid aquifer regulations.

What critics are saying

  • TRC $3.3B acquisition balloons debt, diluting margins within 12 months.
  • Jacobs $1.3B AtkinsRéalis buyout outbids WSP on projects in 6 months.
  • Mass timber's 113-day construction speed erodes WSP steel contracts by 2027.

What makes WSP unique

  • WSP develops remote-controlled multibeam sonar vessels revolutionizing pipeline waterway monitoring.
  • WSP leads comparative LCA studies proving steel, concrete, timber sustainability equivalence in GTA towers.
  • WSP secures sole-supplier status for Sefton Council's four-year Transport Technical Support Services.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Wellness Program

Company News

Long Island Parks
Apr 3rd, 2026
Southampton retroactively extends groundwater monitoring contract for Bridge Golf Course.

Southampton retroactively extends groundwater monitoring contract for Bridge Golf Course. Long Island parks staff. Posted: april 3, 2026. Southampton Town Board approved an amended contract with WSP USA to cover groundwater monitoring work at The Bridge Golf Course in Bridgehampton. The March 24 vote primarily corrects the contract timeline, allowing the town to formally pay for services dating back to June 2025. City & Local Guides The amendment ensures environmental monitoring tied to the golf course remains documented and funded - an issue that carries weight on the East End, where groundwater protection directly impacts drinking water quality. Why it matters. Groundwater on Long Island serves as the region's sole source of drinking water. Monitoring activity at large properties like golf courses is closely watched due to concerns over fertilizers, pesticides, and runoff that can seep into the aquifer. While this action does not introduce new testing or expand oversight, it ensures previously authorized monitoring work is properly accounted for - something that can affect transparency and enforcement if issues arise. What the Board approved. The Town originally authorized a contract with WSP USA in August 2025 for groundwater monitoring and sampling services. This latest action modifies that agreement so it officially runs from June 9, 2025 through January 1, 2026. The total cost of the contract is capped at $31,700 and will be paid through a restricted town account. Officials also noted that no payment can be issued until the amended contract is fully executed and reviewed by the Town Attorney. Fast facts: Location: The Bridge Golf Course, Bridgehampton, NY Action Taken: Contract amendment for groundwater monitoring services Contract Period: June 9, 2025 - January 1, 2026 (retroactive) Cost: Not to exceed $31,700 Contractor: WSP USA Type of Action: Administrative (timeline correction, not new work) Demographics Share the Post:

Rail Business Daily
Mar 24th, 2026
WSP appointed sole supplier to Sefton Council's Transport Technical Support Services contract.

WSP appointed sole supplier to Sefton Council's Transport Technical Support Services contract. March 24, 2026 WSP has been appointed as the sole supplier to Sefton Council's new Transport Technical Support Services (TTSS) Contract, strengthening a long-standing partnership and supporting the delivery of an ambitious transport investment pipeline across the borough. The initial four-year agreement includes options for three additional one-year extensions. Through the contract, Sefton Council will have direct access to multidisciplinary support covering programme and strategic advisory services, transport planning, design development across all stages, engineering delivery and construction supervision. This structure is designed to give the Council the flexibility and capacity it needs to progress its transport priorities from early feasibility through to delivery. The new contract will support the Council in preparing for delivery of its emerging Transport for City Regions (TCR) programme, following several years of activity focused on the city region's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) funding cycle. WSP will also work with the Council to deliver meaningful social value for communities across Sefton, including initiatives focused on children and young people and partnerships, through giving them tangible experiences like in-work placements and experience, as well as supporting them in the classroom through learning interventions. Adrian Hames, Head of Transport and Mobility, WSP added: "We're delighted to continue our partnership with Sefton Council through the new TTSS Contract. Over the past eight years, our teams have worked closely with the Council to deliver complex, community-shaping transport projects across the borough. This new agreement gives us the opportunity to continue that journey, bringing our multidisciplinary expertise to help progress the Council's transport priorities from early feasibility through to delivery, while strengthening the social value we create with local partners." Peter Moore, Assistant Director of Highways and Public Protection, Sefton Council said: "With the Transport for City Region funding from the Combined Authority, we have the opportunity to deliver further significant travel improvements in Sefton. With the expertise and support services from WSP working alongside our internal teams and expertise, we can make a real difference to how people move around their local area. Additionally, people in Sefton get to see additional benefits from the social value delivered locally, as outlined in the contract." WSP's appointment builds on almost a decade of collaboration with Sefton Council. Over this time, the consultancy has supported the delivery of major transport and place-aking schemes across the borough, including Les Transformations de Southport Phase 1, the Maritime Corridor and Southport Eastern Access programme, and evidence-gathering and concept design for Bootle's transport and connectivity improvements. This long-standing relationship has helped establish a shared approach to programme delivery and community-focused outcomes, forming a strong foundation for the new contract period.

Firstgas
Mar 23rd, 2026
Groundbreaking technology transforms pipeline waterway monitoring.

Groundbreaking technology transforms pipeline waterway monitoring. WSP vessel in water with controller With thousands of river and waterway crossings across the Firstgas network, checking submerged pipelines has always been an important part of its maintenance schedule. In the past, it's been a challenging undertaking, considered risky, time-consuming and providing only limited information. Thanks to new technology and a partnership with WSP, First Gas Limited can now survey waterways quickly, safely and with robust results. First Gas Limited talk to Derek Coombe, Firstgas Pipeline Engineer, about how waterway monitoring has evolved over the years, and how a new remote-controlled vessel has delivered a safer, more accurate method. Wading through rivers to monitor pipelines Ropes, probes and waders: early survey methods. It's vital to map its gas pipelines regularly and check what condition they're in, even when the pipes run through waterways. Previously, Firstgas relied on manual survey techniques, as Coombe explains: "In the early days, it was a person in waders with a rope tied around their waist, walking into the river with a probe. It was labour-intensive, risky, and the data didn't always show what was really happening beneath the surface." Although data collection methods improved over the years, they still required people standing in the water, which meant that sometimes rivers were too deep, too fast-moving, or too murky to be monitored. Divers might have been used in deeper waterways and followed accepted practices at the time; they still carried inherent risk, Coombe says, but "we were limited by depth, flow and visibility. If a diver went under, you lost visibility immediately and control over their safety." One day, trying to map pipelines in the Waipa River, Coombe decided he'd had enough. "The Waipa River was a real turning point for me. The current was strong, the willow trees created entanglement risks, and the logistics were huge. I had a real want to get people out of the waterway." WSP remote control survey vessel carrying out inspection From sonar-equipped kayaks to a new zealand-first vessel. Working alongside global engineering firm WSP, the first step was trialling a single-beam sonar mounted on a modified kayak. This improved data quality considerably, but risks remained; the kayak method needed someone on the water and extensive safety controls. Coombe recalls, "I was determined to keep people out of the water altogether, so I sent WSP a picture of a remote-controlled boat and asked, 'How could we do this better?'" WSP began investigating remote-controlled survey vessels as a safer alternative to traditional methods. The initial solution was a single-beam sonar boat equipped with GPS, survey instrumentation, a video camera, and radar. As the first system of its kind in New Zealand, WSP needed to obtain Maritime New Zealand approval to operate in local waterways. This required the development of detailed operational procedures, along with specialised training for operators working across lakes, rivers, and ports in Aotearoa. Building on this capability, WSP later expanded its fleet with a larger multibeam sonar vessel, further enhancing its remote survey capabilities in New Zealand. Coombe says, "A survey that used to take four hours by kayak can now be done in about 30 minutes. You programme where you want it to go, push start, and the boat does the work." The small vessel is operated from the riverbank (so nobody needs to be in the water) and provides a wealth of detailed information. Multibeam sonar provides near-continuous riverbed surface modelling and identifies rocks, logs, buried assets, and any other debris. Combined with drone LiDAR data, Firstgas can now create 3D visualisations of its network, making it easier to identify potential issues and erosion. "We're getting confident data now," says Coombe. "We're identifying shallow pipe and erosion issues much earlier than we ever could before." and able to undertake repeatable surveys for ongoing monitoring. Monitoring data image collected by the survey vessel "It doesn't get much better than this" The technology is now being used nationally and internationally, across a range of environments. It was recently used to map the Whanganui River in preparation for replacing the Dublin Street Bridge, with WSP team leader Peter Troon saying, "When it comes to underwater mapping, it doesn't get much better than this." "WSP took a real risk bringing this technology into New Zealand," Coombe adds. "They invested in it without any guarantee of work and it's paid off for everyone. The biggest win for me is that we're keeping people out of hazardous environments."

Amentum
Mar 10th, 2026
Amentum-led Joint Venture selected for $112 Million Clean-up at Four European Nuclear Research Sites

Amentum-led joint venture selected for $112 million clean-up at four European nuclear research sites. March 10, 2026 - CHANTILLY, VA., March 10, 2026 - A joint venture led by Amentum (NYSE: AMTM) has won a new framework contract as the lead decommissioning and waste management contractor for nuclear research sites in four European countries. Under the $112 million (€95.7 million) contract, awarded by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Amentum-led JV will provide decommissioning solutions to accelerate the cleanup efforts of JRC sites in Ispra (Italy), Karlsruhe (Germany), Geel (Belgium) and Petten (The Netherlands). "Amentum's robust track record of delivering European-funded projects on time and on budget in multiple countries, including prior experience working at JRC Ispra, made us the ideal choice for this contract," said Loren Jones, senior vice president and head of Amentum's Energy & Environment-International business. "We will leverage decommissioning and waste management techniques developed at the world's most complex nuclear sites, integrating innovative solutions to complex technical and project management challenges. Additionally, our strong ties to regulatory authorities across the European Union will serve as a vital asset in ensuring success." For more than 60 years, the JRC sites have addressed complex challenges in areas such as nuclear decommissioning, innovation, safeguards and non-proliferation by conducting research, providing scientific advice and supporting European Union policy makers. The decommissioning and waste management contract will cover structures such as research reactors, hot cells, accelerators, laboratories and other infrastructure where radioactive substances have been handled. The work will be delivered by an Amentum-led joint venture with WSP Italia, supported by sub-contractors TUV Rheinland and Protection Solution SRL. The JV's scope of work includes licensing, radioactive waste management, radiation protection, decommissioning and nuclear engineering, worksite management and safety, non-nuclear engineering, facility supervision and quality assurance. The JRC contract has a duration of two years with three potential two-year extensions. About Amentum Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Its people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Its commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Amentum Services, Inc. has approximately 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all 7 continents. In Europe, Amentum has more than 6,500 people driving the nuclear resurgence in the UK, France, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands. Key nuclear energy programs include Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and Rolls-Royce SMR in the UK, ITER in France, and advising the Polish and Dutch governments on nuclear new build. To support its European customers, Amentum also operates the UK's largest private sector complex of nuclear laboratories and engineering test facilities. Visit Amentum Services, Inc. at www.amentum.com to learn how Amentum Services, Inc. advance the future together. Follow Amentum on LinkedIn Media Contact: Stephen Brauner +44.7875.877120 Investor Contact: Nathan Rutledge Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains or incorporates by reference statements by Amentum Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") that relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements may be characterized by terminology such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "target," "endeavor," "seek," "predict," "intend," "strategy," "plan," "may," "could," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated work and revenue under the awarded contract, and the Company's objectives, expectations and intentions, applicable legal, economic and regulatory conditions, and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including, among others: the occurrence of an accident or safety incident; the ability of the Company to control costs, meet performance requirements or contractual schedules; and other factors set forth under Item 1A, Risk Factors in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2024, which can be found at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or the Investor Relations portion of its website at www.amentum.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

IPLOCA
Mar 3rd, 2026
Gulf Companies (GIE) acquires WSP USA's Underground Storage Business.

Gulf Companies (GIE) acquires WSP USA's Underground Storage Business. Published 3 March 2026 Gulf Companies (Gulf Interstate Engineering) announced the acquisition of WSP USA's Underground Storage Business (UGS), a move that strengthens Gulf's position in underground energy storage and subsurface infrastructure. UGS is widely recognised as a leader in underground storage, with a team of about 120 experts and more than 50 years of experience. They have played a key role in the design and delivery of over 300 cavern projects across the US, including salt and hard-rock caverns used to store natural gas, NGLs, petroleum products, and emerging energy resources. Their deep technical knowledge spans cavern design, drilling, operations, and long-term maintenance. Bringing WSP USA's UGS into Gulf Companies expands Gulf's capabilities and supports its long-term growth in core energy markets. By combining Gulf's strength in surface facilities with UGS's unmatched underground expertise, Gulf Companies is better positioned to take on larger, more complex projects and deliver integrated solutions across the energy value chain. "Our teams are a natural fit," said Kent Wilfur, President & CEO of Gulf Companies. "Together, we're building something truly special for the future of energy infrastructure." The UGS team will continue leading in underground storage while growing into new markets as part of Gulf Companies.

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