Community Planner

WSB and Associates; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSB and Associates is seeking a Community Planner to lead planning, zoning, land use, and community development projects with moderate independence. The role emphasizes complex research, planning documents, and stakeholder presentations to support sustainable, equitable growth.

You will guide junior staff, coordinate cross-functional teams, and engage communities through workshops and public meetings. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in urban planning, GIS, and public involvement,

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Urban Planning, Community Planning, or a closely related field required.
• Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning or similar field preferred.
• 25+ years of professional planning experience.
• AICP certification or ability to obtain within one year preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced planning research and data analysis on demographics, land use, transportation, housing, environmental issues, and economic trends.
• Lead portions of comprehensive plans, zoning updates, and planning studies with timely deliverables.
• Prepare and interpret maps, graphics, and visualizations using GIS and planning software.
• Evaluate land use, zoning, and development applications for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports and present recommendations to planning bodies.
• Draft and update comprehensive plans, ordinances, zoning codes, and policies.
• Support zoning and code enforcement activities, including inspections and documentation.
• Plan and facilitate public engagement activities and stakeholder interviews.
• Develop public-facing materials such as presentations and surveys.
• Coordinate project schedules and communication with cross-functional teams and partners.
• Conduct site visits and field assessments to identify constraints and opportunities.
• Assist with grant writing and project reporting.

Skills

Research & analysis

Public engagement

GIS

Data visualization

Policy development

Presentation skills

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning / Community Planning

Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning (preferred)

AICP certification (preferred)

Driver's license

Tools

GIS software

Planning tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data visualization tools

Job description

Community Planner

Forge ahead with WSB. WSB was founded on the understanding that culture drives results, and we've dedicated ourselves to the value of strong relationships, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas. The Community Planner leads and supports a variety of planning, zoning, land use, and community development projects with moderate independence. This role is responsible for conducting complex research and analysis, preparing planning documents, managing portions of projects, and presenting recommendations to internal and external stakeholders. The Community Planner also plays a key role in community engagement, internal service group coordination, guiding junior staff, contributing to high-quality planning outcomes that support sustainable and equitable community growth. We've inspired each other to discover thoughtful and creative solutions that look beyond the needs of today to the opportunities of tomorrow. We invite you to forge ahead with us.

What you will do:

• Conduct advanced planning research and data analysis on demographics, land use, transportation, housing, environmental issues, and economic trends to support planning studies and policy development.

• Lead portions of comprehensive plans, small-area plans, zoning updates, and special planning studies, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.

• Prepare and interpret maps, graphics, and technical visualizations using GIS, planning software, and data visualization tools.

• Evaluate complex land use, zoning, and development applications for alignment with regulations, design standards, and long-term planning goals.

• Prepare detailed reports, findings, and recommendations for Planning Commissions, City Councils, and advisory boards; present information in public meetings as necessary.

• Draft, review, and update comprehensive plans, ordinances, zoning codes, and planning policies, incorporating best practices and stakeholder feedback.

• Support and occasionally lead zoning and code enforcement activities, including inspections, documentation, communication, and resolution recommendations.

• Plan and facilitate public engagement activities, including workshops, open houses, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews.

• Develop public-facing materials such as presentations, maps, exhibits, surveys, and web-based content to support transparent engagement.

• Compile and synthesize community input into actionable planning recommendations.

• Coordinate project schedules, deliverables, and communication with cross-functional teams, consultants, developers, and partner agencies.

• Conduct site visits and field assessments, documenting conditions and identifying constraints and opportunities relevant to planning studies and development review.

• Assist with grant writing, administration, and reporting, including assembling data, project descriptions, and progress updates.

• Serve as a subject‑matter resource for residents, developers, and community partners regarding zoning, land use regulations, and planning processes.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, internal departments, regional partners, and elected officials.

What you will bring:

• Education:

• Bachelors degree in Urban Planning, Community Planning, or a closely related field required.

• Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning or similar field preferred.

• Experience:

• 25+ years of professional planning experience in local government, regional agencies, or private planning/engineering consulting.

• Licenses/Certifications:

• AICP certification or ability to obtain certification within one year preferred.

• Possession of a valid drivers license with acleandriving record and the ability to operate a motor vehicleisrequired.

• Software:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Experience with GIS software and planning tools preferred.

Who We Are:

WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in Transportation, Community Planning, Environmental, Energy, Municipal, and Construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. We offer services in more than 50 complementary areas across the nation.

Full time WSB employees qualify for competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, company paid short-and long-term disability, 401K with match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Part time employees can participate in the 401K plan and applicable earned paid leave.

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.

WSB strives to ensure that its careers website is accessible to all. If you need assistance completing your online application, please email [e-mail].

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WSB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please e‑mail us at [e-mail]. In your e‑mail, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.