Urban Planner - Mid Level

Moffatt & Nichol • New Orleans, LA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Studio, is actively seeking an Urban Planner with landscape and architectural interests to join our New Orleans office. Waggonner & Ball is an internationally respected urban planning, design, and architecture firm with an interdisciplinary practice committed to creating resilient landscapes, buildings, and communities. Our projects span all scales from buildings and sites to regions with a focus on water, culture, and history. Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in transportation. Together, we deliver beautiful, holistic solutions to the most critical climate challenges of our time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline
• 3–7 years of professional experience in urban planning or a closely related discipline
• Interest in working at all scales of design, from regional systems to details, and all project phases
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and experience working in various database software programs
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for planning and design graphics and public-facing materials
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to analyze demographic data and identify trends in employment, housing, health, and other planning-relevant areas
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to handle moderately complex scenarios creatively and independently
• Ability to work independently on semi-complex tasks with minimal supervision, while relying on more senior staff for impactful or complex decisions
• Ability to build working relationships across functions and act as a resource for colleagues
• Proven ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines
• Availability and willingness to travel as project needs require
• All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
• Waggonner & Ball, a Moffatt & Nichol Design Studio uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Policy, or a related discipline; highly preferred
• Experience with resilience planning, floodplain management, FEMA CRS, or hazard mitigation planning a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and development of urban plans, master plans, zoning analyses, and technical planning reports under general direction, with increasing ownership of deliverables
• Contribute to flood-resilient urban and coastal planning efforts, considering factors such as sea-level rise, storm surge, heavy rainfall events, and other natural hazards
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams — including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and environmental scientists — to develop integrated planning solutions
• Support community engagement activities including public meetings, stakeholder presentations, and outreach to clients, community groups, and public agencies
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications and regulatory submissions
• Apply sound analytical and problem-solving skills to moderately complex planning scenarios, escalating impactful or complex decisions to senior staff as appropriate
• Assists with master planning, site planning and design efforts and documentation development, utilizing 2-D and 3-D modeling and digital presentation packaging
• Develops and supports creative design concepts for clients/projects
• Interfaces with client on design issues and determines and develops solutions
• Develops, modifies, and reviews production drawings and construction documents and corrects and updates documents as required
• Monitor project progress, assist in tracking schedules and budgets, and coordinate with project managers on deliverables
• Performs other duties as requested by management

Benefits

• Comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package with low employee contributions
• Family coverage is available
• Low-deductible plan available
• Generous HSA match to help manage healthcare expenses
• Wellness Program (with financial incentives)
• Monthly one-on-one sessions with nutritionists
• Access to a Healthwise Pharmacist
• Mindfulness apps like The Calm and BetterHelp
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support
• Generous Paid time off (15 to 25 days based on experience level)
• Paid Holidays (7)
• A floating holiday
• 401(k) match to help you reach your financial goals
• Excellent Life Insurance coverage, fully paid by the company
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Training opportunities
• Leadership Development Program
• Formal Mentoring program
• Active YP (Young Professionals) group
• Pet Insurance

What This Job Offers

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