Environmental Planning Practice Leader - Illinois

Lochner and Egis are entering an exciting new chapter as one organization.

We have combined decades of trusted U.S. engineering expertise with the global reach, technical excellence, and career opportunities of a leading international engineering, consulting, and infrastructure firm. While our name has changed, our commitment to our people, clients, and communities is stronger than ever.

We are seeking a highly experienced Environmental Planning Practice Leader (NEPA | Highways | Rail & Transit) to drive the strategic growth and technical excellence of our environmental services practice across Illinois and the broader Midwest. This leader will bring deep expertise in NEPA compliance and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects, with a strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks. This role is responsible for practice growth, client leadership, project oversight, and team development, with a primary focus on transportation (rail, transit, and multimodal) environmental planning.

At Egis, every project is an opportunity to create lasting impact. We collaborate with public and private clients to design and deliver innovative transportation, aviation, rail, transit, water, structural, environmental, and infrastructure solutions that connect communities and improve everyday life. Join a team where innovation is encouraged, collaboration is valued, and your work helps build a more sustainable future.

The Impact You'll Make

Practice Leadership & Growth

• Lead and grow the Environmental Planning/NEPA practice in Illinois and surrounding markets.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans, including market positioning across rail, transit, and DOT clients.
• Identify and capture new business opportunities with agencies such as:
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
  • Illinois DOT (IDOT)
  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace
  • CMAP and municipal agencies

• Serve as capture manager and/or executive sponsor for major pursuits.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key public sector clients.
• Represent the firm in industry organizations, stakeholder forums, and public meetings.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients on NEPA strategy, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

Technical Leadership (NEPA & Environmental Planning)

• Provide senior-level oversight for:
  • Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
  • Environmental Assessments (EA)
  • Categorical Exclusions (CE)
• Lead complex NEPA efforts for rail corridors, transit expansions, and major infrastructure programs.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • NEPA, Section 106, Section 4(f), Clean Water Act, ESA, and other federal/state requirements.
  • Illinois-specific processes and coordination with IDOT Bureau of Design & Environment (BDE).

• Advise on integration with planning, engineering, and permitting.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Project Oversight & Delivery

• Serve as Project Director/Executive-in-Charge on major assignments.
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality for high-profile environmental programs.
• Provide risk management and ensure on-time, compliant delivery.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and grow multidisciplinary teams of environmental planners, scientists, and technical specialists.
• Recruit top talent and support succession planning.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thought Leadership & Innovation

• Stay at the forefront of NEPA regulatory updates, climate policy, and sustainability trends.​​​​​​​
• Drive innovation in:
  • Programmatic NEPA approaches
  • Digital delivery tools (GIS, data management)
  • Sustainability and resilience integration

• Contribute to white papers, conference presentations, and industry leadership.

The Expertise You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental planning with a strong NEPA focus.
• Demonstrated expertise delivering rail and transit projects (e.g., corridors, stations, expansions).
• Deep knowledge of:
  • FRA and FTA NEPA processes
  • Illinois regulatory environment (IDOT, CMAP, local agencies)
• Proven track record of:
  • Winning and delivering major projects/programs
  • Leading high-performing teams
• Strong client relationships within Illinois transportation agencies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

​​​​​​​​​​Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Programmatic Agreements and Tiered NEPA documents.
• Familiarity with public involvement and EJ/Title VI considerations.
• Professional certifications (e.g., AICP, CEP) preferred.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar programs and cross-functional teams.

Why You'll Thrive at Egis

At Egis, you'll do more than build your career—you'll help shape the future of infrastructure. As we continue to expand across the United States, we're looking for curious, collaborative professionals who are passionate about solving complex challenges and delivering projects that improve communities and create lasting impact.

Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading experts, collaborate across disciplines and borders, and contribute to projects that transform the way people live, move, and connect. Here, you'll be empowered to take on meaningful work, develop new skills, and grow your career with the support of a global engineering leader.

What Sets Egis Apart

• Meaningful Projects – Contribute to complex infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
• Global Expertise, Local Impact – Collaborate with technical specialists across North America and around the world while delivering solutions that make a difference locally.
• Career Growth – Expand your skills through mentorship, professional development, technical training, and leadership opportunities.
• A Culture of Collaboration – Thrive in an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and teamwork drives success.
• Opportunity to Grow with Us – Join a rapidly expanding organization where your ideas, contributions, and career can grow alongside the business.