Land Use Planner

Job Summary
We are currently seeking a passionate and skilled Land Use Planner to support projects across the Pacific Northwest in our Keizer and Tualatin, Oregon offices and/or our Vancouver, Washington office. This is an opportunity to collaborate with a talented, growing team of land use planners and multidisciplinary professionals who are committed to delivering innovative solutions to private clients, city and county municipalities, institutions, and state/federal agencies with a diverse range of site development and infrastructure projects.
This key position will support site feasibility and selection, , land use permitting, development code updates, policy planning, zoning and comprehensive plan development or changes, and varied planning services for local and regional agencies, institutions, residential communities, and commercial-, retail-, industrial-, mixed-use-, and renewable-energy-related development projects.
Ideal Expertise

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in community development, community planning, land use planning, urban planning, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant land use planning and entitlement experience in either the public or private sector. Preparing and/or reviewing complex land use applications including master plans, comprehensive plan map/text and zoning map amendments, conditional use permits, variances, land divisions and other entitlement processes.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Understanding of city and county comprehensive plans, development and zoning codes, land use entitlement approval processes, and Oregon’s Statewide Planning System and/or Washington Growth Management Act.
• Independence and Collaboration: Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Time Management: Skilled in managing priorities, meeting deadlines, and well-thought-out, appropriate delegation.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, especially in preparing high-quality land use applications and procedural requirements for land use approvals while engaging with various stakeholders.
• Relationships: Interest in supporting, fostering and developing client relationships through positive interactions, identifying opportunities, implementing new client development strategies, and executing successful project delivery.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex issues and develop creative, practical solutions.
• Software: Proficient with Word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and scheduling software (Microsoft Office Suite, Project, Photoshop, Adobe, etc.)

Position Opportunities
You will play a vital role in our mission to enhance community development through responsible land use planning. The exciting opportunities related to this position serve private, local, state, and federal clients through successful project delivery and client/public interactions working on some of the most important and impactful projects in Oregon and/or southwest Washington. Key responsibilities will include:

• Research and Compliance: Conduct property, zoning, and utility research to support feasibility, ensure adherence to land use regulations, and offer insights for innovation and compliance, utilizing both geographic information systems (GIS) and direct inquiries.
• Project Coordination: Prepare and submit for pre-application conferences and comprehensive land use applications.
• High-Quality Applications: Prepare detailed and technically sound applications for complex land use permits, contributing to projects that positively impact our communities.
• Complex Issue Analysis: Break down intricate issues related to property development and infrastructure, offering actionable insights to team members and stakeholders.
• Team Collaboration: Facilitate effective communication with in-house engineering, surveying, landscape architectural teams, permitting agency staff, and other stakeholders.
• Proposal Development: Create well-defined land use scopes of work for proposals that reflect our commitment to quality.
• Client Engagement: Work closely with clients to gather project data and manage schedules effectively.
• Community Engagement: Organize and participate in neighborhood meetings, public outreach, and hearings to foster positive relationships with community members on important projects.
• Project Management: Develop and maintain project schedules, track critical paths, and ensure milestones are met.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and permitting agency staff, promoting a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Accountability: Take ownership of delivering quality work within budget and timelines.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel out of town occasionally for project needs.

Who We Are
AKS is a locally owned multidiscipline engineering consulting firm focused on developing infrastructure for private and public clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Remaining true to our values and diligently maintaining our focus on quality enables our staff to thrive and grow. With seven offices and over 28 years in business, AKS is a well-respected and trusted resource to a broad portfolio of clients, providing a unique and diverse combination of services.
- Civil Engineering - Land, Aerial, and Hydrographic Surveying
- Land Use Planning - Landscape Architecture
- Forestry/Forest Engineering - Arboriculture
- Natural Resources - Water Resources
- Construction Support Services - GIS
 
Why Join Us
AKS is recognized annually as one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a reputation built on personal responsibility, straight answers, practical solutions, and client and employee service, AKS has become a highly sought-after place to work. We care deeply about building long-term relationships at all levels of our organization and look for opportunities to share meals together every week, go on team-building adventures, make team site visits, and host events that bring people and clients together.
Our collaborative approach is centered around multidisciplinary teams that support projects from inception to completion. We function as one team, one company, one community, and empower our employees to deliver their best work to evolve, grow, and succeed.
 
Benefits
At AKS, we believe that great work deserves great benefits. That’s why we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy. Many and varied options are available: flexible spending account, health savings account, family leave, paid holidays, and disability, life, and pet insurance.
• Retirement Ready: Immediate 401k matching to help you secure your financial future.
• Growth Opportunities: Access to personal and professional development, mentorship, and training programs to help you thrive in your career.
• Team Culture: Collaborative and fun environment with regular staff and team events that foster connection and community.
• Stability You Can Trust: Work for an established, reputable company known for its stability and success.
• Unwind Together: Enjoy lunch on AKS once a week, designed for you to connect and recharge with colleagues.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and generous paid time off policies to support your lifestyle and personal commitments.

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.

AKS Engineering and Forestry does not work with third-party recruiters or agencies. Candidates should be warned that third-party recruiters may misrepresent themselves as working on behalf of AKS. Candidates should only communicate directly with AKS employees.
Third-party recruiters and agencies should not contact AKS Engineering and Forestry employees directly. Any resumes sent from third-party recruiters or agencies to an AKS employee or submitted through the AKS website are considered unsolicited and the property of AKS. AKS will not pay a placement fee unless the recruiter or agency has a signed contract with AKS before submitting a candidate for consideration.