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.
Also called: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Conservation Planner, Environmental Planner, Environmental Planning Engineer, Environmental Restoration Planner, Fisheries Habitat Restoration Specialist
Median pay
$82,220
Pay for the broader BLS group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$52,520 – $140,010
People employed
89,250
Whole BLS group
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Environmental Restoration Planners pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”.
What environmental restoration planners do
- 01Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
- 02Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
- 03Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
- 04Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
- 05Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
- 06Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Geography
- Design
- Mathematics
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from environmental restoration planners
- Conservation Scientists90% · —
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers89% · group pay
- Range Managers87% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists86% · group pay
- Environmental Engineers86% · —
Change into environmental restoration planners
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Conservation Scientists88% · $73,010
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers87% · $141,900
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists86% · $76,780
- Foresters85% · $76,400
- Range Managers85% · $73,010
Majors that lead here
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Molecular Toxicology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Marine Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Health
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.