Senior Planner

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Job Description & Requirements

Communities don't happen by accident, they're shaped by thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and people who care about creating places where others can thrive.

At Interstate Engineering, we're looking for a Senior Planner to help lead planning projects throughout North Dakota and the surrounding region. In this role, you'll work with communities of all sizes to develop comprehensive plans, land use strategies, zoning updates, and community development initiatives that leave a lasting impact. If you're passionate about helping communities navigate growth, solve challenges, and build for the future, we'd love to have you on our team.

The Senior Planner serves as a technical leader within the Planning department, managing complex planning projects and providing guidance throughout the planning process. This role leads the development of comprehensive plans, land use studies, zoning updates, community development initiatives, and related planning efforts for public and private sector clients. The Senior Planner collaborates closely with engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and community stakeholders to deliver innovative, practical solutions that help communities thrive.

The Senior Planner is responsible for managing project scope, schedules, budgets, client relationships, and project deliverables while supporting the continued growth and development of planning services throughout the region.

• Lead planning projects including comprehensive plans, land use studies, zoning ordinance updates, growth management strategies, and community development initiatives.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project partners.
• Prepare and oversee planning deliverables including reports, recommendations, presentations, implementation strategies, and policy documents.
• Conduct advanced research, data analysis, demographic analysis, and GIS-based evaluations to support planning recommendations.
• Facilitate public meetings, workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, and presentations to governing bodies and community groups.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement Specialists to gather and incorporate public input into planning efforts.
• Work closely with Engineers, Surveyors, Landscape Architects, Environmental Specialists, and CADD professionals to develop integrated planning solutions.
• Interpret and apply local, state, and federal regulations related to planning, zoning, development, and community growth.
• Identify funding opportunities and support grant-related planning initiatives when appropriate.
• Support business development activities including proposal preparation, client relationship management, and project pursuits.
• Mentor junior planning staff by sharing technical knowledge, best practices, and project experience.
• Contribute to the continued growth and improvement of Interstate Engineering's planning services.

About Us

As Interstate Engineering celebrates 50 years, we’re proud of the legacy we’ve built and even more excited about what’s ahead. Our experience spans generations, with team members who have grown their careers here and continue to shape the future of our firm, including employee-owners who have been part of our story from the very beginning.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe the best results come from a collaborative, team-driven approach. From the projects we deliver to the careers we build, we work together to solve challenges, support one another, and create lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Interstate Engineering provides innovative engineering, surveying, and planning solutions across the Midwest, combining decades of experience with forward-thinking ideas. We invest in our people because we know they are the foundation of our success fostering a culture built on trust, integrity, and continuous growth.

At the end of the day, our team is made up of the professionals you need and the people you trust.

• Competitive wages
• Bonus opportunities
• Family-oriented environment
• Prioritized work/life balance
• Paid holidays
• Travel opportunities
• 100% paid health insurance for employee
• Short & long-term disability insurance
• 401K Profit Sharing
• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program)
• Relocation assistance (if required)

Bachelor's Degree

Full-time

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.