What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Planner position at Town of Southold?
Position Overview:
Make a difference in protecting Southold's unique natural environment. Southold Town is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Planner to join our Planning Department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about environmental protection, land-use planning, and thoughtful community development. The Environmental Planner will play a key role in evaluating development proposals, safeguarding natural resources, and supporting responsible long-term planning across the Town. This position blends analytical desk work with meaningful fieldwork and public engagement, an ideal role for someone who enjoys balancing environmental review and data analysis with hands-on site visits and direct interaction with applicants, community members, and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Environmental Review: Perform State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) analyses for subdivisions, site plans, Special Exception applications, Town Board legislation (including zoning code amendments), and commercial applications before the Town Trustees.
- Coastal Consistency Reviews: Prepare Coastal Consistency Reviews under the Town's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP).
- Environmental Resource Analysis: Analyze environmental resource capacities, identify sensitive ecosystems, and assist in preparing environmental resource inventories to support environmentally responsible planning.
- Planning Application Review: Review and process subdivision and site plan applications, ensuring completeness and accuracy. Prepare reports and create presentation materials, including maps, photos, and graphics, to support Planning Board decision-making.
- Field Inspections & Compliance: Take an active role in protecting natural resources by conducting on-site inspections of clearing limits, plantings, and revegetation. Confirm that projects stay within approved boundaries, evaluate restoration plans, and document any over-clearing or compliance issues.
- Open Space Monitoring: Perform periodic field inspections of subdivision open space easements to ensure conditions comply with easement terms.
Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about environmental and community planning, with the ability to apply scientific and environmental knowledge to real-world planning decisions. The ideal candidate will have:
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong understanding of community and regional planning principles, particularly as they relate to protecting natural resources.
- Ability to interpret scientific and environmental data and translate findings into actionable planning recommendations.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Environmental Planning, Marine Biology, Oceanography, or a closely related field.
- Two (2) years of professional experience in environmental planning.
- Note: Additional graduate education in the above fields or in Planning may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to identify native and invasive plant species.
- Experience with GIS mapping and spatial analysis tools.
- Familiarity with Long Island ecosystems, groundwater protection issues, and coastal resource management.
Why Southold Town?
- Competitive Compensation: Salary range of $65,968 - $79,825, with a comprehensive benefits package.
- Growth & Impact: This is your chance to leave a lasting impact by protecting Southold Town's natural resources and guiding responsible development.
Special Requirements:
This is a provisional position, and the successful candidate must take the next scheduled Suffolk County Civil Service exam for Environmental Planner and score within the top three willing acceptors.
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume by December 30, 2025 at 4pm to Denis Noncarrow, Southold Town Clerk, P.O. Box 1179, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York or by email to
Southold Town is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65, $79,825.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65,968 - $79,825