Site Design Engineer

GBT Realty; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GBT Realty Corporation serves by making real estate execution certain through disciplined, principled work that protects capital, builds enduring places, and honors the people who do it.

The Site Planner evaluates development opportunities from site selection through pre-construction, coordinating with internal teams, consultants, municipalities and utilities to identify risks and feasibility, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial real estate development and due diligence.
• Knowledge of entitlement processes and municipal regulations.
• Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate potential development sites for feasibility, zoning compliance, access, utilities, environmental constraints, and overall development potential.
• Create and manage conceptual site layouts using CAD, coordinating with architects and civil engineers.
• Lead the due diligence process from project inception through site approval.
• Coordinate with utility providers regarding water, sewer, electric, gas, telecommunications, and stormwater requirements.
• Support site acquisition decisions by providing technical and financial due diligence analyses.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

PE / AICP / PMP / EI / LEED preferred

Tools

CAD software

GIS software

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

DealPath

Job description

GBT Realty Corporation serves by making real estate execution certain - through disciplined, principled work that protects capital, builds enduring places, and honors the people who do it. Since 1987, GBT has been involved with the acquisition, development, construction, leasing, and management of over 45 million square feet of commercial development, including grocery-anchored shopping centers, neighborhood centers, regional power centers, single-tenant retail, and mixed-use developments, representing over $8.5 billion in real estate.

Position Summary

The Site Planner is responsible for evaluating, planning, and advancing commercial real estate development opportunities from site selection through pre-construction. This role leads the due diligence process by coordinating with internal teams, consultants, municipalities, and utility providers to identify development risks, ensure project feasibility, and support successful project execution. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with project management expertise to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Site Evaluation & Planning

• Evaluate potential development sites for feasibility, zoning compliance, access, utilities, environmental constraints, and overall development potential.
• Conduct preliminary site planning to maximize land use while meeting municipal and client requirements.
• Creates and manages conceptual site layouts using CAD, coordinating with architects and civil engineers.
• Lead the due diligence process from project inception through site approval.
• Identify project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Review consultant reports and communicate findings to project stakeholders.

Utility & Infrastructure Coordination

• Coordinate with utility providers regarding water, sewer, electric, gas, telecommunications, and stormwater requirements.
• Evaluate off-site infrastructure improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with acquisitions, development, construction, legal, finance, and operations teams.
• Support site acquisition decisions by providing technical and financial due diligence analyses.
• Assist with project handoff to development teams upon completion of pre-development activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Land Planning, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Architecture, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Engineering Intern (EI), or LEED accreditation are preferred.

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in commercial real estate development, land development, civil engineering, site planning, or due diligence.
• Strong understanding of entitlement processes and municipal development regulations.

Technical Knowledge

• Zoning and land use regulations.
• Environmental permitting and compliance.
• Utility coordination and infrastructure planning.
• Stormwater management principles.
• Site grading and drainage concepts.

Software Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software
• GIS software (preferred)
• Project management platforms such as DealPath, Smartsheet (preferred)
• Project management and organization
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Risk assessment and decision-making
• Strong analytical and financial awareness
• Negotiation and stakeholder management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail with a solutions-oriented mindset