Land Use Planner

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Land Use Planner

Department: Land Use

Reports To: Practice Group Leader or Assigned Attorney

Location: Austin

FLSA Status: Exempt

Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Land Use Planner in our Austin office. The Land Use Planner supports attorneys and clients in zoning, entitlement, subdivision, and development matters. This role works closely with attorneys, developers, engineers, architects, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate land use approvals and development projects.

The Land Use Planner prepares applications and supporting documentation, conducts research and analysis, coordinates project activities, and assists in navigating local and state regulatory processes. The position requires strong project management, communication, and analytical skills within a collaborative legal environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Land Use & Development Support

• Support attorneys and clients in zoning, entitlement, subdivision, site planning, and development matters.
• Prepare, review, and revise applications, reports, and supporting documentation related to zoning and entitlement processes.
• Draft and revise documents related to acquisition, development, zoning, subdivision, site planning, easements, and related real estate matters.
• Assist with obtaining approvals, permits, and entitlements from local and state jurisdictions.

Project Management & Coordination

• Coordinate activities among attorneys, clients, developers, engineers, architects, consultants, and governmental agencies.
• Manage project timelines and assist in tracking project milestones and deadlines.
• Work independently or coordinate project teams through zoning and entitlement processes.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.

Research & Analysis

• Research zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, comprehensive plans, development codes, and land use requirements.
• Review environmental, engineering, planning, and development-related documents.
• Analyze project requirements and identify potential issues or opportunities during development review processes.

Stakeholder Relations & Public Engagement

• Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, municipal staff, appointed boards, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in meetings, presentations, hearings, and public engagement activities as needed.
• Assist attorneys and clients in preparing presentations and supporting materials.

General Support

• Maintain project files and documentation.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working for a city, county, planning agency, consulting firm, law firm, or similar organization supporting land use, zoning, development, or entitlement activities.
• Experience preparing and filing development applications and permits.
• Experience working with zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, subdivision regulations, and development codes.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred certifications:

• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners)
• LEED Accreditation
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Landscape Architect (PLA/LS)

Working Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment. Occasional travel to project sites, municipal meetings, and public hearings may be required.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com