Environmental Planner

Nelson Pope Voorhis ("NPV") (www.nelsonpopevoorhis.com) is an environmental planning firm with offices on Long Island and the Hudson Valley, New York, providing a wide range of environmentally focused professional planning services. NPV seeks talented, enthusiastic individuals to join our growing team of planners, ecologists, hydrologists, certified environmental professionals, and GIS specialists. NPV offers competitive salaries, full benefits, a collaborative professional environment, and the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting and innovative projects.

Our inclusive workplace encourages creativity, teamwork, professional growth and a healthy work/life balance. NPV is an affiliate partner with Nelson + Pope, a full-service engineering firm, allowing us to work on larger multidisciplinary projects while maintaining our environmental planning focus. 

Position Overview

NPV is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Planner to join our growing team in Melville. This entry to mid level position offers an excellent opportunity to build a career in environmental planning while working on a wide variety of municipal planning, zoning, land use, and environmental review projects on Long Island and supporting planning in the Hudson Valley.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced planners, environmental scientists, and project managers to support land use planning, zoning analysis, comprehensive plans, grant applications, environmental review, and community engagement initiatives. This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional interested in helping communities address growth, sustainability, and environmental challenges. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct planning, zoning, and environmental research and analysis.
• Assist with development application reviews and preparation of staff reports for municipal boards.
• Support environmental review projects pursuant to SEQRA and related regulatory requirements.
• Prepare GIS maps, exhibits, technical memoranda, reports, and presentation materials.
• Contribute to comprehensive plans, zoning code updates, grant applications, and other planning studies.
• Assist with project coordination, meeting preparation, and follow-up activities.
• Attend public meetings, hearings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Work collaboratively with planners, scientists, engineers, GIS specialists, and municipal clients.
• Perform field visits and site inspections as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Public Policy, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Internship or prior experience in planning, environmental consulting, municipal government, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Interest in land use planning, zoning, community development, environmental review, and sustainability.
• Strong writing, analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, or graphic presentation software is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What We Offer

• Competitive starting salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional mentoring and training from experienced planners and environmental professionals.
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects involving environmental review, community planning, downtown revitalization, smart growth, and sustainability initiatives.
• Clear path for career advancement within a growing firm.