Life, Physical & Social Science
Environmental Restoration Planners
Also called: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Fisheries Habitat Restoration Specialist, Habitat Restoration Specialist, Marine Habitat Resources Specialist
US median pay
$82,220
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
7,300
93,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Systems Analysis3.6/5
- Systems Evaluation3.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Negotiation3.1/5
Knowledge
- Biology4.7/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Geography3.8/5
- Design3.7/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree50%
- Master's degree41%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.