Environmental Planning Practice Leader - Illinois

Environmental Planning Practice Leader - Illinois Hot Job Chicago, IL 60606 Apply Overview Salary Range $130,000.00 - $180,000.00 Salary Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Category Planning Apply Expectations We are seeking a highly experienced Environmental Planning Practice Leader (NEPA | Highways | Rail & Transit) to drive the strategic growth and technical excellence of our environmental services practice across Illinois and the broader Midwest. This leader will bring deep expertise in NEPA compliance and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects, with a strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks. This role is responsible for practice growth, client leadership, project oversight, and team development, with a primary focus on transportation (rail, transit, and multimodal) environmental planning. Founded in 1944, Lochner is a trusted infrastructure services provider for aviation, surface transportation and water clients who need high-quality, forward-looking solutions to complex challenges. Our vision is to become a Top 100 leader in the A/E industry, centered on an agile, engaged, and empowered workforce coming together to embrace the art of the possible and make a lasting difference in our world. Are you ready to join us on this journey? As a people-centric company, Lochner’s purpose is to empower our team to put their knowledge to work, enhancing communities across the US. To achieve this, we hire candidates of all experiences and skillsets because amazing things happen when people with diverse backgrounds come together to solve problems. We believe collaboration is more than a buzz word — it is a guiding principle in which every point of view is valued and heard and is the driving force in delivering our best work. At all levels of the organization, we foster an entrepreneurial spirit and culture of autonomy to advance our strategic vision and continually seek our next success story. Lochner – learn more about us Your Impact: Practice Leadership & Growth Lead and grow the Environmental Planning/NEPA practice in Illinois and surrounding markets. Develop and execute strategic business plans, including market positioning across rail, transit, and DOT clients. Identify and capture new business opportunities with agencies such as: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Illinois DOT (IDOT) Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace CMAP and municipal agencies Serve as capture manager and/or executive sponsor for major pursuits. Client Development & Relationship Management Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key public sector clients. Represent the firm in industry organizations, stakeholder forums, and public meetings. Provide strategic guidance to clients on NEPA strategy, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Technical Leadership (NEPA & Environmental Planning) Provide senior-level oversight for: Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Environmental Assessments (EA) ​​​​​​​Categorical Exclusions (CE) Lead complex NEPA efforts for rail corridors, transit expansions, and major infrastructure programs. Ensure compliance with: NEPA, Section 106, Section 4(f), Clean Water Act, ESA, and other federal/state requirements. Illinois-specific processes and coordination with IDOT Bureau of Design & Environment (BDE). Advise on integration with planning, engineering, and permitting. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Project Oversight & Delivery Serve as Project Director/Executive-in-Charge on major assignments. Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality for high-profile environmental programs. Provide risk management and ensure on-time, compliant delivery. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Team Leadership & Mentorship Lead, mentor, and grow multidisciplinary teams of environmental planners, scientists, and technical specialists. Recruit top talent and support succession planning. Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thought Leadership & Innovation Stay at the forefront of NEPA regulatory updates, climate policy, and sustainability trends.​​​​​​​ Drive innovation in: Programmatic NEPA approaches Digital delivery tools (GIS, data management) Sustainability and resilience integration Contribute to white papers, conference presentations, and industry leadership. ​​​​​​​Who you are: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, or related field (master’s preferred). 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning with a strong NEPA focus. Demonstrated expertise delivering rail and transit projects (e.g., corridors, stations, expansions). Deep knowledge of: FRA and FTA NEPA processes Illinois regulatory environment (IDOT, CMAP, local agencies) Proven track record of: Winning and delivering major projects/programs Leading high-performing teams Strong client relationships within Illinois transportation agencies. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Preferred Qualifications Experience with Programmatic Agreements and Tiered NEPA documents. Familiarity with public involvement and EJ/Title VI considerations. Professional certifications (e.g., AICP, CEP) preferred. Experience managing multi-million-dollar programs and cross-functional teams. Commitment Joining Lochner means gaining access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your health and financial well-being throughout your career. Benefits (Eligible for Full Time Employees) Lochner provides an extensive total rewards package that includes: Competitive Premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision Paid Time Off and Flexible Holiday Program Company Paid Disability (includes paid Maternity Leave), and Life Insurance Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Employer Contribution Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical Expenses and/or Dependent Care Paid Family Leave Retirement Plan with Employer Match Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid or Remote, when possible) Wellness Program for Physical and Mental Health Lochner Cares Non-Profit 501c3 Education and Training Assistance Employee Assistance Program Employee Discounts Paid Time Off for Charitable Acts of Service What we offer – Learn more Work Environment The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Physical Requirements The physical requirements must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, stoop, crawl, and lifting. The employee must frequently lift and/or move light equipment up to 20 pounds. Must be alert to equipment in the field, occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery, occasional need to walk on uneven ground, exposure to dust, gas or fumes, exposure to noise, extremes in temperature or humidity, and potential work at heights. Equal Employer Lochner is proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Lochner provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. All positions at Lochner require an applicant who has accepted an employment offer to undergo pre-employment screening. Background checks include SSN/SIN validation, motor vehicle verification, education verification, employment verification, a criminal check, search against global sanctions and government watch lists, and drug test. All employment offers are contingent upon successful results of the pre-employment screening. California Privacy Policy Privacy Policy