Environmental Planner Responsibilities

Environment planning is essential to create a sustainable environment by protecting and preserving the natural resources. Environmental planner responsibilities comprise ensuring the health, security, and safety of not only the people, but also the nature.

"Go Green" trend is on the rise and therefore, the demand for environmental planners is definitely going to be on the rise. Environment planners help in lessening the environmental burden and optimizing the use of natural resources which are limited.

They arrive at a good resolution to the environmental issue that has been addressed and help in the achievement of the client's goal by staying ahead of the other competitors in the market. Companies that help in conserving the nature will definitely attract more customers, ultimately leading to more business.

Key Responsibilities of an Environmental Planner

Environmental planner responsibilities are crucial for the success and growth of any business organization. They are mainly involved in making effective use of the land. For this they conduct field investigations to study the factors that may affect the use of land and recommend proposals for the same to ensure adherence to environmental laws and regulations. Let us get into the details as to what exactly are the key responsibilities that are handled by an environment planner:

To take into account the issues related to preservation and conservation of the ecosystem
To develop and recommend policies which help in creating a culture of sustainability
To confer with the clients and coordinate with the other departments and design a program accordingly, ensuring compliance with specifications
To supervise and monitor strategies related to maintenance of client relationship
To produce reports, graphic representations, drawings, proposed plans, etc., during client meetings
To assist in the review and coordination of factor specific environmental specialist work
He must also be prepared to effectively deal and confront with difficult situations, both externally and internally with clients as well as contractors.
He must be able to direct, supervise, and review the documentation work, impact assessment, legal compliance, and permits for various environmental projects.
He actively participates and supports in the development of consultation programs.
He handles some part of the marketing responsibilities and helps in acquiring new clients and projects for the organization.
He should understand and implement the safety policies designed by the organization. He may need to mentor and train the supporting staff members.

Essential Skills

An environmental planner should be able to provide all the services in an ethical manner.
He should be creative, independent thinker, and should be comfortable working in a team environment as well as be able to function independently.
He should be detail oriented and should be comfortable to work under deadlines.
He must have excellent communication skills, have a positive attitude, and exercise complete confidentiality.
He must be flexible to travel whenever there is a need, should be a self starter with good computer and organization skills.
He should also exhibit excellent leadership skills.

Educational background

A four year bachelor's degree in environmental studies, natural resources, or a related field from an accredited university or college is the minimum requirement to be eligible for the post of an environmental planner. A master's degree is definitely preferred. Previous work experience in policy and regulatory planning and project management would prove to be an advantage.

Work Hours

An environmental planner needs to work for forty to forty five hours per week. He may need to extend his work schedule if he needs to attend client meetings or make presentations related to his project. Occasionally, he may need to travel and may sometimes need to work even on the weekends or holidays.

Salary Details

The average salary depends on experience and it varies according to the type and size of the organization. The average salary is in the range of $47,000 to $80,000.

Career Prospects

The career prospects are really bright for those who are aspiring to make a career in the field of environmental planning. Those with a master's degree and relevant work experience are sure to prosper in this field and get a lucrative pay package. The demand for environmental planner is always going to be increasing.

Thus, to ensure success it is necessary that you become well-acquainted with the environmental planner responsibilities, skills, and educational background.