Summary/Objective

The Planner II will prepare and assist with, the preparation of housing elements and studies, community plans, specific plans, zoning updates, community engagement, and other planning efforts, as a member of a team. The Planner II may serve as an Assistant Project Manager on small projects.

PM21

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Responsible for leading research assignments, data gathering, and analysis. Conducts planning, demographic, and statistical analysis. Conducts mapping or assist with coordination of mapping
• Prepares planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs, and regulations.
• Researches policies, plans, and regulations, including zoning ordinances and codes.
• Organizes and conducts workshops and meetings.
• Prepares presentations and presentation materials. Facilitates or assists in workshop facilitation.
• Prepares meeting summaries and documentation of meetings and workshops.
• Conducts site visits.
• Assists project managers or directors in project management activities.

Competencies

• Proficient in taking on larger tasks and assignments, such as leading a chapter in a report, working under minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of zoning codes, general plans, and specific plans, as well as planning processes.
• Knowledge of planning and housing legislation, and ability/desire to keep up-to-date with changing requirements.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate ideas simply, writing and analytical skills.
• Document production software skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Work Environment

• Typical office environment

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Travel Required

• Limited travel may be required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree with major course work in Urban and Regional Planning, Community Development, Geography, Landscape Architecture
• A minimum of three years of professional planner experience

Preferred Education and Experience

N/A

Additional Eligibility Requirements

N/A

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

N/A

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement 

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Other Duties 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is seeking a mid-level Urban Designer to support an exciting range of projects across the state, including visioning, community/specific plans, zoning, and form-based codes, design standards, streetscape, and community engagement.

The Role:

• Work with senior urban designers to produce 2D and 3D plans and graphics, including site analysis, site plans, and concept diagrams
• Conduct project site visits and collect site/precedent photography.
• Conducts existing conditions analysis, scale comparisons, and precedent research.
• Research and analyze zoning codes, general plans, specific plans, and other regulations guiding urban form.
• Prepare massing and building prototype studies
• Prepare 3D renderings and before/after visual simulations
• Prepare reports, presentations, presentation boards, and graphically-rich design/planning documents using InDesign and PowerPoint.
• Support community engagement activities, workshops, and meetings.

PM21

Professional qualifications must include:

• At least 6 years of consulting experience in urban design, urban planning, and/or architecture.
• An advanced degree in urban design or planning (MAUD, MLAUD, MUP) and an undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture (BArch, BLA) or a similar combination.
• Excellent presentation skills, including strong design and graphic communication skills.
• Advanced graphic, drawing, and 3D modeling/rendering abilities, with demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp (or similar 3D modeling tools), ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign), and PowerPoint. Advanced knowledge of Lumion or other rendering platforms is preferred.
• Collaborative attitude, ability to think outside of the box and develop creative solutions, and interest in being part of the fast-paced design studio.

Ascent offers a supportive, fun, and intellectually challenging work environment with excellent benefits. We invest in our employees’ careers and welfare and strive to provide high-quality outcomes for our clients. We offer flexible hours, collegial teamwork, participation in important and challenging projects, opportunities to contribute to and join in-service events for our local communities, and regular performance recognition.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement  

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Other Duties 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.