Entry-level Planner

Job Description:

PlaceWorks has an immediate need for a full-time, entry-level planner to join the Planning team in either our Berkeley or Folsom office. We are looking for an individual with 2 – 4 years of professional experience related to planning, who is creative, outgoing, self-starting, and passionate about helping shape and improve communities through their work.

Working in a collaborative, casual, and professional work environment under the guidance of skilled project managers and other senior staff, this planner will assist project teams by applying planning knowledge and technical skills to contribute to the successful completion of projects at a variety of scales, often working concurrently on more than one project. Typical projects of our planning practice include general and specific plans, master plans, zoning, housing policy, urban revitalization/infill, and local/regional transportation plans, as well as community engagement. 

You’re most likely a fit if:

• You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
• You’re a self-starter who is also a team player, able to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment—balancing remote work with in-office collaboration as required based on office location.
• You have an interest in research, public policy development, and creating development and design standards.
• You have strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills and aren’t afraid to ask questions or provide contributions, ideas or insights that will help move projects forward.
• You have excellent writing, formatting, and proofreading skills and are detail-oriented.
• Engaging with the public excites you, and you’re willing to jump in to help with outreach efforts. You may be asked to coordinate meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies, give presentations, and/or facilitate discussions at workshops.
• You’re able to attend and travel to client meetings and community workshops which may occur on weekday nights and weekends.
• You have professional acumen to cultivate working relationships with clients, community-based organizations, and other firms.
• You enjoy using your technical skills to create graphics, maps, plan documents, proposals, and presentations that communicate ideas simply and clearly.
• You enjoy analyzing and compiling research and data as required by a project.
• You can manage your time to produce final project documents and products by stated deadlines. You can work effectively on multiple projects at once.
• You’re interested in assisting with marketing, business development, and proposal efforts for planning and outreach work.
• You have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in urban or regional planning, or related field.
• You navigate the digital world with solid, intermediate-level computer skills, learn new tools quickly, and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• You’re experienced with ArcGIS and/or Adobe Creative Suite (not required, but these skills are a huge plus!)
• You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 – $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.

Application Instructions:

When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample or design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments. Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, include a link to your writing sample/design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB. In your cover letter, please specify which office location you are interested in.

Job Requirements:

(see above job description)

About PlaceWorks:

Based in California, PlaceWorks is a 100% employee-owned planning, design, and environmental consulting firm. The firm’s expertise and services span a wide range of practices, including city planning, urban design, landscape architecture, environmental review, GIS, and community participation. Our interdisciplinary, holistic approach integrates sustainability, economic vitality, community goals, and collaboration with our clients in the planning and design process. With a 50-year history of providing award-winning projects, we are passionate about our work and together with our clients, will continue to create great places. Learn more about the work we do and how we do it at: https://placeworks.com/.

PlaceWorks’ mission is to envision and create great places, and that includes our own workplace. You can view the perks and benefits we offer our employees at: https://placeworks.com/our-culture/.

PlaceWorks is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at PlaceWorks are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status covered by applicable federal, state, or local law.