Planner - PLA

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in‑house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

As a Planner at LJA Land Development
, you will play an important role in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and preparing governmental approval documents. The projects you will work on will include zoning, platting, variance requests, major thoroughfare plan amendments, and long‑range planning documents such as Master Plans and Comprehensive Plans. Your responsibilities will include learning the regulatory approval process for various jurisdictions, understanding zoning codes and documents, preparing documents during the platting process, aiding the preparation of long‑range planning documents, and maintaining a strong knowledge of city requirements.

Additionally, you will contribute to the design process and assist with interpreting city ordinances.

• Works closely with the regulatory team, receiving direction, guidance, and oversight from Project Managers and Principals on a broad range of project types and scales to prepare design presentations, feasibility studies, master plans, general plans, guideline documents, site plans, concept plans, and lotting studies. Projects range from commercial, mixed‑use, industrial, and residential developments to urban design, town center re‑developments, historic preservation or adaptive reuse, and long‑range planning documents such as Comprehensive Plans and Master Plans.
• Must have the desire to work in a team‑based environment with the ability to assist with multiple project assignments, meet given project/production deadlines, produce high‑quality end products, and be a strong contributor.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, expand knowledge, improve skill sets, and show progressive improvement.
• Knowledge and experience with a broad range of graphical representations with the ability to innovate and provide high‑quality presentations and documents as required.
• May be required to visit project sites to photograph existing conditions, identify opportunities and constraints, collect data and information, and/or observe, photograph, and prepare reports on construction progress.
• Assist in filing plans as necessary to various jurisdictions.
• Research planning trends, codes, jurisdictional ordinances, and specific project‑related concepts.

• BA or BS in Planning, Public Administration, or other applicable degree.

• Previous planning or city planning experience.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, Sketch‑Up, Acrobat Pro is preferred.
• Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and graphic skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment and build strong relationships.
• AICP or the ability to obtain certification within an appropriate time frame.

At LJA, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for…