Urban Design & Planning - Planner IV

Progressive Companies • Grand Rapids, MI

3d

About The Position

As a Planner IV, you will lead complex, multi-faceted planning and design projects that shape communities and create meaningful impact for clients. You will collaborate with planners, architects, designers, engineers, consultants, public stakeholders, advisory groups, and legislative bodies to move projects from concept through implementation. You will bring deep expertise in community development, land use, urban design, transportation, housing, zoning, economic development, and placemaking to deliver thoughtful, equitable, and high-quality planning solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field.
• AICP, IEDC, LEED, or similar professional credential.
• Typically 15 years of post-graduate planning experience, including experience with land planning principles and elements of neighborhood, street, and landscape design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong knowledge of state planning laws, municipal zoning ordinances, environmental laws, site planning, urban design best practices, and risk management considerations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Planning or a related field.
• Experience leading complex public engagement, multi-jurisdictional planning, and consensus-building efforts.
• Competency with design software such as SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring staff, leading project delivery teams, and supporting new business development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning and design projects, including written reports, short- and long-range plans, policies, presentations, ordinance recommendations, and implementation strategies.
• Develop design concepts, graphic presentations, and 3D renderings that communicate multifaceted ideas to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate project work with architects, designers, engineers, construction administrators, consultants, developers, and clients to ensure strong collaboration and successful outcomes.
• Engage public stakeholders, advisory groups, multi-jurisdictional clients, and legislative bodies to build consensus and navigate complex community conversations.
• Review comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings, annexations, site plans, plats, and other planning documents for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staff hours, project expenses, invoices, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor less experienced staff, provide technical guidance, support professional development, and contribute to business development and cross-team marketing efforts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior