Environmental Planners

Environmental planning is a relatively new field; it emerged in the 1970s in response to the environmental movement. Environmental planners are essentially urban planners who focus on sustainable development. They aim to use land in the most efficient way possible, incorporating green building technologies and renewable energy into designs and systems, and preserving ecosystems and environmentally sensitive areas. Planners help manage the growth of cities and ensure that planning designs and systems, such as for construction or transportation projects, are in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Approximately 39,100 urban and regional planners are employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Creative

Organized

Technical

Career Ladder

Director, or Consultant, or College Professor

Senior Environmental Planner

Environmental Planner

Environmental Coordinator or Associate Environmental Planner