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Career overview · SOC 19-2041

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 · Fisheries Habitat Restoration Specialist · Habitat Restoration Specialist · Marine Habitat Resources Specialist · Restoration Ecologist · Restoration Specialist

Median pay (national)
$80,060
$50,130–$134,830 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
84,930
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.4%
~8,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for environmental restoration planners shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $134,830 versus $50,130 at the bottom 10% — 2.7x. The median of $80,060 leaves roughly 68% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 8,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $122,440, +53% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $47,250 — a 159% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Science
  • Active Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
  • Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
  • Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
  • Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
  • Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
  • Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
  • Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
  • Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.
  • Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.
  • Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • ESRI ArcMap
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • HEC-RAS
  • IWR-PLAN

Knowledge areas

  • Biology
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Administration and Management
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Law and Government