Planning Analyst

LSI; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Land Strategies, Inc. (LSI) is seeking a Planning Analyst to research, evaluate, and communicate opportunities and constraints shaping development projects across Texas.

You will support planners, landscape architects, architects, and PMs by conducting technical analysis, preparing planning documents, and guiding clients through entitlements. The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, highly organized, and eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or a closely related field.
• 0–3 years of professional experience; internship experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; Google Suite.
• AutoCAD; Report Writing; Site Research & Analysis; Zoning & Land Use; Regulatory Compliance; Development Feasibility; Entitlement Processing.

Responsibilities

• Research & Site Analysis: conduct site feasibility studies including zoning, land use, utilities, environmental constraints, transportation systems, easements, floodplain conditions, and development regulations.
• Planning & Entitlements: assist with entitlement strategies and coordinate with jurisdictions through processes.
• Technical Documentation: prepare planning reports, due diligence memorandums, feasibility studies, graphics using AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office; interpret codes and plans.
• Project Support: collaborate with planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, and PMs; maintain schedules and documentation.
• Professional Development: stay current on trends and best practices; pursue continuing education and mentorship.
• Team Contribution: support firm operations and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

Google Suite

Site Research & Analysis

Zoning & Land Use

Regulatory Compliance

Development Feasibility

Entitlement Processing

Report Writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

The Planning Analyst is an emerging planning professional responsible for researching, evaluating, and communicating the opportunities and constraints that shape successful development projects. This role supports planners, landscape architects, architects, and project managers by conducting technical analysis, preparing planning documents, and helping clients navigate the entitlement and development process.

Successful Planning Analysts are curious, analytical, highly organized, and eager to learn. They thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy solving complex development challenges, and understand that thoughtful planning creates meaningful places that positively impact communities.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop professionally while working on a diverse range of public and private sector projects throughout Texas and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Site Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive site feasibility studies including zoning, land use, utilities, environmental constraints, transportation systems, easements, floodplain conditions, and development regulations.
• Research municipal, county, and state regulations affecting project feasibility.
• Analyze surrounding conditions to support planning recommendations.
• Identify development opportunities and potential project risks early in the planning process.

Planning & Entitlements

• Assist with entitlement strategies, including but not limited to: zoning applications, variance requests, subdivision applications, development permits, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with jurisdictions having authority and regulatory agencies throughout entitlement processes.
• Track entitlement schedules, review comments, and approval milestones.

Technical Documentation

• Prepare planning reports, due diligence memorandums, feasibility studies, presentation materials, and client exhibits.
• Develop graphics and planning exhibits using AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Interpret municipal codes, development regulations, and comprehensive plans to identify project constraints, opportunities, and entitlement pathways.
• Assist in preparing meeting materials and presentation graphics

Project Support

• Collaborate with planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, project managers, and any other consultant or contractor throughout project development.
• Support project schedules by completing assignments accurately and on time.
• Assist with project coordination and documentation.
• Participate in internal project meetings and client meetings as appropriate.

Professional Development

• Stay current on planning trends, municipal regulations, sustainability initiatives, and best practices.
• Build technical expertise through continuing education and mentorship.
• Contribute ideas that improve project delivery and internal processes.

Team Contribution

At LSI, we believe every role contributes to the success of the entire firm. While this job description outlines primary responsibilities, team members are expected to support firm operations, collaborate across disciplines, and take on additional responsibilities as needed to achieve our shared goals and deliver exceptional client service.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or a closely related field
• 0-3 years of professional experience
• Internship experience preferred

Core Competencies

Technical (Required)

• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Google Suite

Technical (Preferred)

• AutoCAD
• Report Writing
• Site Research & Analysis
• Zoning & Land Use
• Regulatory Compliance
• Development Feasibility
• Entitlement Processing

Professional (Required)

• Critical Thinking
• Initiative
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Organization
• Quality Assurance
• Time Management

About LSI

Land Strategies, Inc. is an integrated planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design firm dedicated to creating places that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

For more than four decades, we have partnered with clients to solve complex challenges through thoughtful planning, creative design, and technical excellence. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to consider projects holistically from vision through implementation.

Why Join LSI?

At LSI, you won't simply prepare reports, you'll help shape communities.

You'll work alongside planners, architects, landscape architects, and designers in a collaborative studio environment where ideas are valued, professional development is encouraged, and meaningful work is the standard. Every project is an opportunity to create places that improve how people live, work, and connect. Together, we design places with purpose, guided by our commitment to Growth, Optimism, Artistry, Leadership, and Self-Discipline.

Our Mission

To design meaningful places that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Our Vision

Our vision is a built environment that prioritizes people—enhancing experiences, nurturing community, and improving quality of life at every scale.

Our Core Values

• Growth - We are committed to continual growth, expanding ourselves, our craft, and our organization through learning, improvement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Optimism - Staying positive and hopeful, seeing challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Artistry - We blend creativity with technical expertise to create thoughtful, inspiring designs that unite beauty, function, and lasting impact.
• Leadership - We lead at every level through initiative, collaboration, and integrity, developing leaders who inspire others and elevate our firm, our clients, and our communities.
• Self-Discipline - We take ownership of our projects by embracing disciplined processes and consistent execution, creating the foundation for creativity, flexibility, and exceptional results.