Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

SOC: 19-2041.02

Common Job Titles

  • Coastal and Estuary Specialist
  • Habitat Restoration Specialist
  • Marine Habitat Resources Specialist
  • Restoration Ecologist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize complex ecological and scientific data into actionable restoration strategies using GIS software and statistical analysis tools to support field implementation decisions.
  • KnowledgeDesign environmental restoration plans and implementation timelines integrating biological, engineering, and regulatory requirements for multi-stakeholder projects.
  • KnowledgeFormulate adaptive management protocols and monitoring frameworks to ensure long-term success and sustainability of restoration initiatives.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate restoration project outcomes and environmental compliance against regulatory standards and biological success metrics in field settings.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze ecosystem conditions and habitat data to identify restoration priorities and monitoring protocols for degraded environments.
  • MindsetIntegrate stakeholder perspectives with scientific evidence when facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration between field staff, biologists, and community partners.
  • MindsetAdvocate for science-based restoration approaches when communicating with regulatory agencies, public stakeholders, and funding organizations.
  • KnowledgeInterpret biological survey results and ecological assessments for diverse audiences including technical teams, government officials, and the public.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate multi-phase restoration project activities and interdisciplinary team workflows while managing budgets, timelines, and resource allocation across field and office settings.
  • Hands-onOperate GIS systems and GPS receivers to collect, map, and analyze spatial data for habitat assessments in field environments.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Environmental Restoration Planners (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

84,930

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $62,090. 50th percentile: U.S. $80,060. 75th percentile: U.S. $103,730. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$50,130
10% of workers earn the following or more$134,830
Workers on average earn$88,640

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Biology4.7/5
  • English Language4.0/5
  • Geography3.8/5
  • Design3.7/5
  • Mathematics3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • ESRI ArcMap
  • Email software
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • HEC-RAS
  • IWR-PLAN
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computer data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Global positioning system GPS receivers
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers