Environmental Restoration Planners
Environmental Restoration Planners develop and implement strategies to restore degraded ecosystems, working for government agencies, nonprofits, consulting firms, and educational institutions. They synthesize scientific data into practical restoration plans, collaborate with field teams and biologists to oversee projects, and monitor outcomes to refine management approaches.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental restoration planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves analyzing ecological data and research to inform restoration strategies, meeting with field staff to review project progress, and adjusting management plans based on monitoring results. Planners might spend time in the office processing complex datasets, then visit restoration sites to assess conditions and coordinate with teams implementing the work. Report writing and communication with stakeholders occupy significant portions of the schedule.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive on solving complex problems through careful investigation and observation of natural systems. You combine scientific thinking with practical problem-solving, and you're drawn to hands-on work that produces tangible environmental outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $98,410 | $132,620 | $161,470 | 1,270 |
| California | $81,480 | $106,510 | $132,770 | 12,490 |
| Rhode Island | $79,770 | $100,730 | $123,180 | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $79,890 | $100,640 | $127,310 | 2,930 |
| Washington | $79,950 | $98,300 | $127,770 | 4,470 |
| Oregon | $76,870 | $97,440 | $113,320 | 1,370 |
| Texas | $66,640 | $92,000 | $128,380 | 5,630 |
| Alaska | $76,290 | $91,960 | $114,400 | 860 |
| Utah | $71,200 | $90,710 | $124,990 | 1,020 |
| Minnesota | $61,570 | $88,000 | $105,850 | 2,260 |
| New Mexico | $76,080 | $86,630 | $104,250 | 940 |
| Colorado | $65,670 | $85,990 | $106,690 | 2,580 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- Registered Environmental Professional (REP) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- WSO - Certified Governmental Environmental Specialist (WSO-CGES) — World Safety Organization
- Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) — Board for Global EHS Credentialing
- Certified Environmental Professional in Training (CEP-IT) — Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals
- Registered Environmental Manager (REM) — National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against environmental restoration planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-2041.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.