Senior Planner

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WSP is looking to grow its Infrastructure Planning team with the appointment of a Senior level town planner with experience of supporting and delivering clients in one or more of the many consenting regimes we work within, including Development Consent Orders, Developments of National Significance (Wales), applications under the Town and Country Planning Act, Transport and Works Act Orders, the Electricity Act or Parliamentary Bills. We work at all stages of the consenting process from early feasibility, application preparation and delivery of consents through construction and on a variety of projects.In our team we work at all stages of the consenting process from early feasibility, application preparation and delivery of consents through construction and on a variety of projects across the rail, road, energy, water, and local government sectors. 

Provides technical planning assistance and guidance for capturing, modeling, and analyzing work site information, geographical resources, and spatial and tabular data to inform and create plans for land use and urban development that account for economic, social, and environmental impact. Tasks include providing support and guidance to project leadership for multi-site/phase planning projects, site and impact assessment, the preparation of general plans, specific/master plans, zoning code updates, public involvement, and regulatory compliance for a variety of client projects relating to development, construction, infrastructure, transportation, environment, resiliency, revitalization, and adaptation. Substantiates documentation to advise on project areas by applying and integrating environmental and regional planning with a focus on economic development and effective land use. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Determine well-defined data collection methods for identifying and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys.
• Use topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and other visualization tools to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, and associated physical, urban, economic, and political sensitivities.
• Prepare and assist with completing general plans, specific/master plans, community plans, zoning codes, comprehensive plans, permitting policies and/or development standards for assigned projects, with a particular emphasis on land use and urban planning.
• Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, reporting, and record compliance and retention.
• Perform professional land/urban planning work and conduct investigations, inspections, studies, and surveys to gain further information on a particular problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future needs affecting land use, development, utilities, infrastructure, construction, and/or transportation to control and guide development and renewal.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, models, infographics, and 3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare land use applications and represent clients in the zoning entitlement process with local and regional jurisdictions.
• Prepare, coordinate, and facilitate public involvement and consensus-building meetings in support of client project work, answering public questions on behalf of the client, and assisting with long-range planning efforts on medium-sized projects.
• Prepare drafts of technical memos, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials summarizing research with findings and conclusions.
• Read, interpret, compose, and review Planning Reports, Categorical Exclusions, EA’s, EIRs, and other technical documents.
• Provide analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of facts and data obtained during field and site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and development activities to minimize impacts to the health of the community, population, local economy, and environment.
• Assist with overseeing and working with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Conduct research as appropriate and assist with proposal development.
• Remain current in latest land/urban planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 5 to 7 years of experience working in the land/urban planning field, actively engaging in general plans, specific/master plans, zoning code updates, public involvement, and regulatory compliance for a variety of client projects relating to development, construction, infrastructure, transportation, environment, resiliency, revitalization, and/or adaptation. 
• Competent analytical skills and prior experience with research techniques, local/regional geography, culture, and ecology.
• Working knowledge and experience with relevant zoning laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulatory and permitting agencies.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to land/urban technical reports, preparing impact assessments, evaluations, siting reports, and permit applications.
• Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Experience with discipline-specific software (i.e., CAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
• Proficiency with technical business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.