Planner

Interstate Engineering, Inc.; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Bonus opportunities

401K Profit Sharing

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program

Job summary

Interstate Engineering is seeking a Planner to support communities through thoughtful, practical planning solutions. In this role, you’ll conduct planning studies, analyze data, prepare project deliverables, and work directly with communities and project teams on a variety of urban planning, land use, and community development initiatives.

You’ll collaborate with planners, engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and community engagement professionals to help

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field.
• 2–4 years of urban planning or community development experience.
• Working knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS).
• Experience with planning and design tools such as Adobe InDesign or SketchUp is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct planning studies, including land use analyses and environmental reviews.
• Analyze spatial and demographic data using GIS.
• Prepare plans, maps, reports, and presentations.
• Assist with public meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop planning solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Adobe InDesign

SketchUp

Job description

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Job Description & Requirements

Help communities plan for what’s next.

Interstate Engineering is seeking a Planner to join our team and support communities through thoughtful, practical planning solutions. In this role, you’ll conduct planning studies, analyze data, prepare project deliverables, and work directly with communities and project teams on a variety of urban planning, land use, and community development initiatives.

You’ll collaborate with planners, engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and community engagement professionals to help communities navigate growth, development, and long-term planning. This position is a great opportunity for someone with a few years of planning experience who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to grow their technical and public engagement skills.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct planning studies, including land use analyses, zoning assessments, and environmental reviews, to support project recommendations.
• Analyze spatial, demographic, and community data using GIS and other planning tools.
• Prepare comprehensive plans, site plans, zoning reports, maps, presentations, and other planning deliverables.
• Assist with and participate in public meetings, workshops, hearings, and other community engagement activities.
• Gather, document, and incorporate stakeholder and community feedback into planning recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineers, surveyors, CADD designers, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and other professionals to develop well-rounded solutions for clients and communities.
• Assist with project schedules, budgets, timelines, and coordination of project deliverables.
• Apply local, state, and federal regulations, zoning requirements, and land use policies to planning projects.
• Provide guidance and support to junior planning staff, as assigned.
• Build relationships with clients, community leaders, stakeholders, and project partners.
• Continue developing your planning, project management, and community engagement skills through hands‑on experience and professional development.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in urban planning, community development, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of GIS software, such as ArcGIS.
• Experience with planning and design tools such as Adobe InDesign or SketchUp is beneficial.
• Solid understanding of planning principles, zoning regulations, land use policies, and community development processes.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage responsibilities independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfort working with clients, community members, and other stakeholders in both small‑group and public settings.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, client meetings, and community meetings as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

Grow With Us

At Interstate Engineering, career development doesn’t follow just one path. This role provides opportunities to strengthen your technical planning expertise, expand your experience in community engagement and project management, mentor others, and prepare for future opportunities such as Senior Planner, Planning Manager, or other leadership and specialized roles within the company.

Physical Requirements

This position primarily works in an office environment using standard computer equipment and software. The role may also require site visits and attendance at community meetings or project events, including walking, climbing stairs, and navigating uneven terrain. Employees may occasionally need to lift or carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Physical requirements may vary based on project needs and work assignments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

About Us

As Interstate Engineering celebrates 50 years, we’re proud of the legacy we’ve built and even more excited about what’s ahead. Our experience spans generations, with team members who have grown their careers here and continue to shape the future of our firm, including employee-owners who have been part of our story from the very beginning.

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we believe the best results come from a collaborative, team‑driven approach. From the projects we deliver to the careers we build, we work together to solve challenges, support one another, and create lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Interstate Engineering provides innovative engineering, surveying, and planning solutions across the Midwest, combining decades of experience with forward‑thinking ideas. We invest in our people because we know they are the foundation of our success fostering a culture built on trust, integrity, and continuous growth.

At the end of the day, our team is made up of the professionals you need and the people you trust.

• Competitive wages
• Bonus opportunities
• Family-oriented environment
• Prioritized work/life balance
• Paid holidays
• Travel opportunities
• 100% paid health insurance for employee
• Short & long‑term disability insurance
• 401K Profit Sharing
• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program)
• Relocation assistance (if required)

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Type

Full-time

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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