Senior Urban Planner

Description

The Opportunity

Ulteig is seeking a motivated Senior Urban Planner to join our Water & Environment group. This role is responsible for leading and supporting signature projects contributing to city/county and utility sustainability goals, increased resiliency of infrastructure, capital improvement and master planning, and environmental regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for public and private sector clients, balancing community needs, regulatory requirements, and sustainable growth.

What You'll Do

Project Planning & Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive plans addressing sustainability (e.g., Climate Action Plans, GHG inventories), land use, zoning, and public infrastructure and utilities (e.g., roads, stormwater, water, wastewater, and/or power), while considering community needs (e.g., active transportation, recreational space, equity).
• Conduct research and analyze demographic, economic, and spatial data to inform planning decisions.
• Prepare planning documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Review site plans and development proposals to ensure compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and community goals.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure integrated planning solutions.

Policy & Regulatory Analysis

• Formulate and recommend procedures, guidelines, and priorities for plan implementation.
• Evaluate and recommend changes to infrastructure planning procedures, zoning ordinances, land use policies, and development regulations.
• Monitor, interpret, and stay current on local, state, and federal legislation affecting urban development (land use and zoning ordinances), infrastructure funding, and environmental, sustainability, and resiliency initiatives.

Community Engagement & Communication

• Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and community engagement sessions to present project details, gather input, and communicate planning initiatives.
• Present findings and recommendations to planning commissions, boards, and the public.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and community partners.

Project Implementation & Oversight

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for planning initiatives.
• Oversee development and implementation of sustainability and urban infrastructure planning projects as needed.
• Lead and maintain client communication protocols and meetings throughout a project, organizing discussions on schedules, QA/QC, stakeholder engagement, deliverables, etc..

Business Development & Team Collaboration

• Assist with business development activities, including proposal writing, client outreach, and networking.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Ulteig's Lifeline Sectors (Water, Power, Renewables, Transportation).
• Mentor and support junior staff in technical and professional development.

What We Expect from You

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in environmental planning, sustainability, resiliency, or related disciplines.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience in community engagement and public consultation.
• Knowledge of zoning laws, land use regulations, and urban development and infrastructure planning processes.
• Experience in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, climate change policies, and public health a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask under strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, public, and external agencies.
• Must be comfortable working in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive…