Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: FAR • Demographics • Right-of-Way

Environmental Justice

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Environmental Justice is an important approach in urban planning that focuses on making sure all communities, especially those that have been historically overlooked, have equal access to a healthy environment and protection from environmental hazards. It involves considering how planning decisions about things like where to place parks, public transportation, or industrial facilities affect different neighborhoods and communities. Think of it as making sure everyone gets fair treatment when it comes to environmental benefits and burdens, regardless of their income level or background.

Examples in Resumes

Led community outreach programs focusing on Environmental Justice initiatives in urban development projects

Conducted Environmental Justice assessments for new public transportation routes

Created reports analyzing Environmental Justice impacts of proposed industrial developments

Implemented Environmental Justice and EJ considerations in neighborhood rezoning plans

Typical job title: "Environmental Justice Planners"

Also try searching for:

Environmental Planner Urban Planner Environmental Policy Analyst Community Development Specialist Environmental Justice Coordinator Urban Environmental Specialist Environmental Justice Advocate

Where to Find Environmental Justice Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a proposed development project faces environmental justice concerns from the community?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss their experience in community engagement, ability to analyze environmental impacts, knowledge of relevant regulations, and skills in finding compromises that benefit all stakeholders. They should mention specific examples of successful conflict resolution.

Q: How do you integrate environmental justice considerations into long-term urban planning?

Expected Answer: The answer should cover strategies for inclusive planning processes, methods for assessing community impacts, and experience with creating policies that ensure equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What tools or methods do you use to assess environmental justice impacts?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with demographic analysis, environmental impact assessments, community surveys, and GIS mapping to identify affected populations and potential disparities.

Q: How do you ensure meaningful community participation in planning processes?

Expected Answer: Should describe various outreach methods, experience organizing community meetings, strategies for engaging diverse populations, and ways to incorporate community feedback into planning decisions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is environmental justice and why is it important in urban planning?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of environmental justice principles, explaining how planning decisions can affect different communities differently and why considering these impacts is crucial.

Q: What are some common environmental justice issues in urban areas?

Expected Answer: Should identify basic issues like access to green spaces, exposure to pollution, proximity to hazardous facilities, and transportation access, showing awareness of how these affect different communities.