Environmental restoration planners design and implement projects that repair damaged ecosystems and natural habitats. You'll need a bachelor's degree and strong analytical skills. The work is research-driven, involves extensive planning, and you can make a real environmental impact.
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Environmental restoration planners assess damaged ecosystems and develop strategies to restore them to health. You gather and analyze scientific information, work with computers to model restoration scenarios, and communicate findings to supervisors, peers, and external stakeholders. Your work involves making decisions about which restoration approaches will be most effective, staying current with the latest research and techniques, and collaborating across teams to implement plans that repair wetlands, forests, streams, and other natural systems.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Environmental Restoration Planners earn a median of $82,220 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 8,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree to enter this field, which typically requires extensive preparation in biology, geography, and mathematics. During your studies, you'll develop critical thinking and writing skills essential for analyzing environmental data and communicating complex findings. Many planners gain additional expertise through internships or entry-level positions in environmental agencies or consulting firms, where you can apply classroom knowledge to real restoration projects while building professional networks.
Most routes into environmental restoration planning start with a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field. If you're deciding between programs or want to map out your path from high school through your first role, Pathly can map the environmental restoration planner path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to stay on track.
You do not need a license to work as an environmental restoration planner, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to investigative work that involves research, problem-solving, and understanding how natural systems function. You enjoy analyzing data, thinking critically about complex environmental challenges, and communicating your findings clearly to others.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).