Early Career Urban Planner

Our Business
We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood’s Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

Our Earth & Environment Team is seeking an Early Career Urban Plannerto work out of our Durham, NC office.

Takes part in providing local technical planning assistance for capturing, modeling, and analyzing work site information, geographical resources, and spatial and tabular data to inform and create plans for land use and urban development that account for economic, social, and environmental impact. Tasks may include providing support under general supervision with the preparation of segments of general plans, specific/master plans, zoning code updates, public involvement, and regulatory compliance for a variety of client projects relating to development, construction, infrastructure, transportation, environment, resiliency, revitalization, and adaptation. Generates accurate and concise documentation, ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, identifying, and compiling observational, spatial, operations, and environmental data from multiple matrices for projects, research, and surveys.
• Under direct supervision, assist with preparing general plans, specific/master plans, zoning codes, permitting policies and/or development standards for assigned projects, with a particular emphasis on land use and urban planning.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, demographics, patterns and trends, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with performing basic professional land/urban planning work to gain further information on a particular problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to assist with planning for future needs affecting land use, development, utilities, infrastructure, construction, and/or transportation to control and guide development and renewal.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, models, infographics, and 3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation of technical memos, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials.
• Utilize the latest technologies and techniques in performing studies and analysis of project areas, sites, and any associated physical, urban, economic, community, and political sensitivities.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field.
• Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional geography, culture, and ecology.
• Familiar with relevant zoning laws, permitting requirements, notification and compliance practices, and applicable Regional/State/Federal regulatory framework.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Familiarity with discipline-specific software (i.e., CAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
• Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific discipline.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

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