Associate or Senior Planner

SIGNING BONUS AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

You will work from our Detroit, MI, Novi, MI, or Rochester Hills, MI office. If you live more than 120 miles from this office, we offer relocation assistance. Spalding DeDecker is seeking an Associate or Senior Planner to join our growing Planning and GIS Team. In this position, the Planner will lead the development of technical reports, presentation materials, and planning-related project deliverables for municipal, developer, and other clients. This position reports directly to the Planning Manager. Candidates should be planning professionals with strong technical competency and a solid understanding of contemporary planning principles and best practices. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, growth-oriented, and passionate about community and economic development. They should bring experience navigating planning, design, and permitting requirements across a variety of contexts, and demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Spalding DeDecker is an employee‑owned surveying, planning, and civil engineering firm of 170+ employees. Since 1954, we have thrived because of our dedicated employees and the exceptional service we deliver to our clients. We hire skilled, professional, and innovative individuals who will add expertise and integrity to our team, and we provide an exemplary place to work. We are a dynamic organization that believes in rewarding strong performance; each member of our team can grow as far as each of their abilities will take them! Typical Duties & Responsibilities Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Leads and manages the production of presentation materials, technical reports and letters, and other project deliverables for planning and planning‑related projects (e.g. master plans and updates, neighborhood framework plans, etc.) Develops and leads community engagement activities Develops and leads data collection and analysis Manages project budgets Develops strategies to promote economic and community development, address housing challenges, promote efficient land use consistent with community goals, improve streetscapes and mobility, and advance other community initiatives Works with dynamic teams including municipalities in the area, owners/developers, architects, landscape architects, engineering trades, contractors, and community organizations Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations Assists in the preparation of proposals and fee estimates for potential projects Supervises junior staff Represents Spalding DeDecker at networking events, conferences, public meetings, and within the community Requirements Minimum 4 years of planning experience for Associate Planner, 6 for Senior Planner Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, geography, or related field of study American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification Knowledge of methodology, principles, and practices of planning, research, and data collection Familiarity with municipal planning and zoning administration activities Knowledge of development processes, real estate finance, incentives, and other public approvals, preferred Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu Work Environment / Physical Demands Individuals must be willing to: Work in an office environment Attend client meetings and travel by car and/or plane if the project requires it Perform project site visits Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Additional Information Job Type: Full‑time, hybrid with three days per week required in the office after completion of probation period. Schedule: Monday to Friday Supplemental pay types: Bonus pay Language: English (Required) Work Location: Detroit, MI, Novi, MI, or Rochester Hills, MI office Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr Spalding DeDecker