Professional Planner

What We Offer:

Our excellent salary and benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long‑term disability coverage, education reimbursement, 401(k), performance bonuses, and an employee stock program. Employee Resource Groups and Programs offered include the Young Professionals Group, Women at Wade Trim, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professional Development, Leadership Development, Rotation Program, Mentor Program, Sustainability Program, and Wellness Program.

We are looking for a Professional Planner to join our Community Design Team to improve infrastructure in our Grand Rapids or Flint office. The candidate must have an AICP certification with a bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field and have at least seven years of experience in master planning, urban design, zoning ordinance updates, economic development planning, housing studies, neighborhood planning, community planning, downtown planning, public involvement, smart growth/resiliency land use issues, and business development.

Strong communication skills is required and GIS experience is preferred. The candidate must also be self‑motivated, work well with others, and have excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. A flexible hybrid‑remote work schedule is available after 30 days of employment.

• Gather and analyze community profile data (census, national resources, existing land use, socio‑economic analysis, etc.)
• Project manage day‑to‑day planning clients, recreation plans, downtown development plans, housing studies, zoning ordinances, master plans, or comprehensive plans, etc.
• Conduct project specific research through data collection and analysis, stakeholder interviews, community surveys, facilitating public engagement, literature review, etc.
• Complete or oversee site plan reviews, special land uses, variances, rezoning, zoning text amendments, and other planning or zoning applications.
• Leverage GIS platforms to analyze and manipulate data for community master planning, land development regulations, transportation planning, and other key planning initiatives.
• Assist with business development by estimating fees, defining scope of work, and preparing proposals, as well as developing technical and public presentations.
• Maintain excellent client relations through meetings, emails, telephone calls, etc.
• Attend and facilitate various meetings – including staff, client, elected and appointed officials, and community meetings – as well as engage in extensive public input and communication, including night meetings as needed for clients.
• Drive business growth by expanding market share and service offerings through strategic client engagement, business development, and innovative planning solutions.
• Maintain a safe working environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field is required.

• Seven or more years of experience.
• AICP Certification.
• Experience in master planning, urban design, zoning ordinance updates, economic development planning, housing studies, neighborhood planning, community planning, downtown planning, public involvement, and smart growth/resiliency land use issues.
• Strong communication skills.
• Business Development Experience.
• GIS experience preferred.

Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We’ve been solving complex engineering challenges for nearly a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a collaborative, friendly style to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.

Our supportive culture recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Mentoring and building skills of Wade Trim staff is a priority. Frequent interaction among staff is encouraged, company leadership is easily accessible, and opportunities are provided for staff to help shape the firm’s future through strategic planning. Work/life balance is supported through a flexible, hybrid work schedule that brings team members together in the office at least three days a week and connects them virtually when working from home.

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