Land Use & Real Estate Counsel

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service, dedicated to ensuring access to food, medicine, and essential goods globally. The company designs, builds, and operates autonomous logistics systems, completing millions of deliveries across four continents. Zipline is currently undergoing a period of rapid expansion across the U.S., necessitating the hiring of a seasoned Land Use & Real Estate Counsel. This role is pivotal in leading efforts to secure and maintain land use and zoning approvals for customer sites and charging infrastructure nationwide, with a particular focus on key U.S. markets such as Texas and Arizona. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Zipline’s operations, real estate, and customer success teams to facilitate the swift and repeatable deployment of Zipline’s uncrewed aerial systems and associated infrastructure across metropolitan regions. This position uniquely combines aspects of municipal, environmental, commercial, and property law.

Requirements

A strong command of U.S. land use, zoning, and municipal law, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind regulatory approvals.
At least 5 years of relevant legal practice, ideally including a mix of law firm and in-house experience.
Persuasive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage regulators and community stakeholders with diplomacy and credibility.
Pragmatic, business-oriented risk assessment skills, with the ability to make confident, independent judgment calls and escalate when appropriate.
A proven track record of delivering high-stakes regulatory approvals under tight timelines, while maintaining composure and focus.
A proactive, resourceful mindset with an eagerness to tackle novel challenges and shape scalable regulatory strategies.
Unwavering ethics, strong relationship-building instincts, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
JD Degree required
Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar
Must be eligible to work in the United States

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Zipline’s strategy for securing operationally critical land use, zoning, and permitting approvals in key U.S. markets—including Texas, Arizona, and other major metropolitan areas.
Interpret, draft, and analyze municipal ordinances affecting Zipline’s operations and site development.
Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, planning and zoning commissions, city councils, and local staff.
Support community engagement efforts and represent Zipline in public hearings and stakeholder meetings regarding land use and zoning matters.
Address and resolve complex property law matters, including easements, boundary lines, and access rights.
Partner with Operations, Real Estate, and Engineering teams to ensure legal strategies align with technical and operational realities.
Serve as a trusted advisor within the Legal Team, stepping in to address novel or urgent state and local legal issues as Zipline’s business evolves.