Environmental Planning Lead

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is a Top 10 Architectural & Engineering (A&E) firm in the United States as ranked by Engineering News Record and is also one of the largest employee-owned A&E companies in the United States. HDR has been selected to run the Installation Engineering and Installation Management functions of the Civil Engineer Squadron for the United Stated Air Force Academy (USAFA). As such, we will be placing a multi-disciplinary A&E team of 50+ professionals at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The contract is expected to begin in early 2026 and covers an eight-year period from 2026 through 2034. The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the premier universities in our country and is one of the most widely visited locations in all of Colorado. The Air Force Academy has a rich history and a unique mission to educate and train future Air Force leaders. HDR is honored to be selected for these components of the of the Base Maintenance Contract (BMC) in conjunction with Tessera, who will be running and leading the master contract with the Air Force. HDR will be performing wide-ranging facility management services to include but not limited to: planning, programming, design, asset management, construction inspection, energy management, real estate, environmental, cultural resources, space planning, CAD, GIS, cost estimating, and numerous other functions.
Ideal candidates will have knowledge and/or experience with federal contracts and/or the Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron. They will also have a strong enthusiasm to ensure the cadets and future Air Force Leaders live and learn in state of the art facilities and have the necessary resources to serve our country to the best of their abilities.
This position is full time and located on-site at the USAFA. The expected start date is March 1, 2026.
In the role of Environmental Planning Lead, we'll count on you to:

• Plan and direct medium- to large-size planning and environmental compliance projects.
• Perform complex assignments and exercise independent judgment on issues.
• Prepare, plan and analyze/review technical studies, permit applications, NEPA documents, and similar reports/documents.
• Direct work of others to complete required studies, documents and reports.
• Demonstrate extensive public participation, agency coordination, planning and programming experience.
• Collect project-related data which may include research, interviews with government agencies and clients, map reviews, and field investigations for wetlands and land use.
• Prepare constraints mapping.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments.
• Prepare for and participate in public information meetings and hearings.
• Assist public and private clients with permit coordination, acquisition and compliance for wetland impacts, bridge construction, and threatened/endangered species.
• Perform scientific/environmental project assignments requiring application of moderately complex objectives and limited variables.
• Work independently on medium-size projects and assist more-senior scientists on larger projects.
• Conduct field surveys, data interpretation and analysis, and plan and manage written environmental reports.
• Give direction to clerical and technical personnel as needed.
• Work on assignments that require dealing with diverse working conditions while in the field as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron experience preferred
• Ability to work in person and on site at United States Air Force Academy
• Ability to pass a background check
• Understanding of NEPA, CWA, EBS, HAZMAT, HAZWaste, ESOHC and other environmental policies, regulations and programs
• Due to client contract requirements, US Citizenship - US Naturalized citizen is required
• This position is subject to a governmental background check

#LI-MV3 Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years technical and/or field experience in complex environmental planning projects
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite
• Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
• Technical and/or field experience dealing with environmental impact issues, associated permit processes and documentation preparation/review
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.