Urban Planner/Designer

Description

Fisher Associates Planning Group is seeking a full-time Urban Planner/Designer to act as a Project Manager I to join our Planning discipline. The Planning Group completes a wide range of projects including urban design, land use planning, zoning, placemaking, transportation/mobility planning, brownfield redevelopment, environmental reviews, grant assistance, economic development, municipal and agency approvals, and public engagement. Under the supervision of the Planning Manager, this position will assist with the day-to-day operations of Fisher's Planning Group, maintaining a flexible schedule according to project workloads. The position is responsible for Project Management activities including proposal writing, client contact, contracting, project planning, budget tracking, billing, managing project changes, and client relations. The position will also support the execution of planning and design work managed by Fisher colleagues. An interest in business development and growth is expected.

We are currently looking for candidates with 5 years of experience in planning and project management to join our award-winning collaborative team working from one of our office locations in Rochester NY, Buffalo NY, or Pittsburgh PA. Consideration will be given to a remote position in the North Carolina Piedmont or the Boston, MA area. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual who can work in a fast-paced and collaborative professional environment.

Fisher Associates, P.E., L.S., L.A., D.P.C. is a national design, engineering, and professional services firm serving the Transportation, Land Development and Energy market sectors. Our services include planning, landscape architecture, engineering, environmental, survey, and construction representation. Fisher Associates, P.E., L.S., L.A., D.P.C. is headquartered in Rochester NY, with eight offices throughout NY, PA and TX.

Fisher Associates consistently meets the demands of our state, municipal, and private sector clients across the country. Our Clientship Philosophy ™ means responsiveness and accountability. We think with the end in mind to assist our clients to realize their goals.

Fisher’s Planning Group is a highly respected discipline within that firm that provides leadership, expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking while planning for the world we live in. We cherish the values of Smart Growth, Sustainability and Equity.

The primary function of this role is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Exhibit behaviors that align with the Fisher Values: Aspire to Excellence, Teamwork and Respect, Owning our Results and Empowered Employees.
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships adhering to the Fisher Clientship philosophy.
• Project management of planning projects with low to moderate complexity.
• Report on project schedule, financial status, and other management metrics.
• Assist with identifying new project leads, research, and proposal writing.
• Establish/maintain positive relationships with clients, co-workers, and project teams.
• Contract for services with clients and with sub-contractors.
• Prepare and manage Project Plans (scopes of work, schedules, fees, and changes).
• Perform research, analytical, and statistical tasks.
• Prepare land use recommendations, design and development guidelines and comprehensive planning direction.
• Visualize urban design and development strategies.
• Prepare maps and graphics.
• Assist in writing a variety of planning documents, publications, forms, reports, memoranda, and grant applications.
• Assist with environmental reviews and municipal entitlement processes (NEPA, SEQRA, site plan review, variances, planned unit developments, historic preservation approvals, etc.).
• Attend, support, and prepare summaries for public, stakeholder, and advisory meetings.
• Stay informed of new developments and techniques in planning practice areas and offer thought leadership on best planning practices.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Community or Regional Planning or a related field (Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, etc.) from an accredited university.
• 5 years relevant planning and project management experience.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer software including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Sketchup and ArcGIS preferred.
• AICP preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent Project Management skills.
• Strong understanding of (and passion for) “Smart Growth” principles and good community design practices.
• Excellent analytical, research and creative skills.
• Ability to write, review and interpret zoning codes and environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
• Strong ability to create maps, graphic designs, and publications.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Familiarity and experience with land use and environmental regulations.
• Willingness to assume new roles and mentor junior staff.
• Aspire to excellence, consistently seek to improve, and demonstrate high-quality work at all levels.
• Team player: collaborate effectively at all levels; treat coworkers, clients, and vendors with respect in all interactions; seek to listen effectively, understand others, and build trust.
• Own and accept responsibility for results.
• Honest, transparent, and trustworthy.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound judgement.
• Excellent and professional communication skills both written and verbal.
• Excellent organizational, project management and time management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Exhibit flexibility with assignments, workflow, or project changes
• Listen and respond to feedback in a positive manner.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word and Excel

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to travel to various project sites.
• Must be able to access and navigate construction sites and job areas.
• Ability to transverse uneven grounds
• Environmental Conditions: Office environment

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors. The salary range is not necessarily reflective of the actual total compensation that may be earned nor promises any specific pay for any specific employee. Salary range excludes monetary value of benefits.

Why a Career with Fisher Associates?

1. Fisher offers a competitive benefit package focused on providing comprehensive, affordable coverage.

2. Voluntary benefits include Vision, FSA, HSA, Cancer Care and more!

3. New hires are eligible for the 401(k) Retirement Plan immediately.

4. Professional Development is Encouraged & Employer-Paid!!

5. Work-Life Balance Matters; We offer PTO, Paid Holidays, and a Hybrid work option.

6. We give back to the community! Meals on Wheels, Corporate Challenge, Veteran's Outreach, & more!

Fisher Associates embraces a family-feel culture and welcomes all newcomers with open arms. We are an equal opportunity employer who supports and cultivates a diverse and inclusive workplace. Fisher Associates does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin (including ancestry), religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), disability, reproductive health decision making (including, but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service), marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, military status, unemployment status, genetic information (including genetic characteristics), citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. AA/EOE