Mid-Level Planner - Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Inc.

We are seeking a collaborative and creative mid-level planner.

‍Do you want to know why trends lead to certain development patterns in a community?  Are you passionate about helping communities develop their vision for their future? Do you want to be on the forefront of crafting innovative policy and design solutions that lead to positive physical, social, environmental, and economic outcomes in a community? Do you want to work in an environment that places a high value on collaboration with other planners, designers, civil engineers, economists, and other leaders?

‍If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team.

‍We are currently seeking an experienced, full-time planner with 5-10 years of professional planning experience. This person assist with the day-to-day management of projects, facilitate

inclusive and equitable community and stakeholder input, and helps create award-winning plans that are action orientated and lead to strong implementation. We’re seeking a planner who brings a range of skills, including writing and editing, mapping and graphic presentation, public involvement coordination and a highly organized approach to task and people management.

‍‍About REA

REA (Rundell Ernstberger Associates) is an interdisciplinary urban design, planning, and landscape architecture firm with a history of over 40 years providing innovative planning and design. We’re committed to making our world a better place. That starts with celebrating the unique identity, culture, and history of each community. We make space for connections, for building new relationships and deeper engagement – and for improving the health of people and the planet. Our work reflects who we are and what our communities can become.

‍A day in the life of a mid-level planner: Collaborative. Exciting. Determined. Contributor. Progressive.

As a Planner at REA, you would manage projects of a small size and limited complexity, primarily in the State of Indiana and surrounding region. You would serve as task lead in support of more complex projects working with a Senior Planner and Partner-In-Charge. The work entails interfacing closely with clients; overseeing work by staff; and developing, monitoring, and maintaining budgets and schedules.  

‍The planning group works on a wide range of projects, on a variety of scales, not only within the Midwest region but throughout the country. Our award-winning work includes comprehensive plans, neighborhood plans, ordinances, transportation and corridor plans, economic plans, (re)development master plans, downtown plans, and innovation districts. We are known for our strong approach to equitable planning and inclusive community engagement. We believe in developing realistic plans that are implementable and achievable for our clients.

‍We believe that interdisciplinary collaboration makes our work and the communities we serve, better. Our planning, urban design, and landscape architecture practices work together on each planning project to strongly incorporate both design and policy into every plan we create. Our community engagement techniques are on the forefront of the profession. While we often partner with consultants, we typically lead engagement efforts in-house with our team. We employ a variety of software platforms, including ArcGIS Pro mapping software, 3D Spatial Analyst, and Community Analyst, and other innovative engagement platforms. Some travel will be required depending on the project need.

‍Skills Required

• Educational background and/or work training and experience in policy and planning for urban, suburban, and rural areas; comprehensive planning; downtowns; economic development; neighborhoods; corridors; and transit and trail-oriented development.  
• Urban design, placemaking, and site planning skills and experience are a plus.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience in research and data analysis, precedents, and best practices in support of planning, urban design, regulatory, and built projects
• Strong organization skills
• Experience in pursuing business development and marketing leads a plus
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS Pro is required
• Proficiency in SketchUp and Lumion is a plus, but not required
• A key component to success in this role is the ability to collaborate and work with the planning team, multi-task, and to pivot between varying tasks and projects with ease
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

 Education, Expertise, Certifications

• Preferred candidates for this position will have between 5-10 years of experience, ideally with at least three years of private sector consulting experience. 
• AICP accreditation preferred, in progress, or willing to become certified/licensed in related field.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Planning, Urban Design, or related field from an accredited program‍

 What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Flexibility in the workplace and your schedule, including equipment to work from home 1-2days a week
• Opportunities for professional development through internal and external trainings, mentorship and professional associations
• Ability to work from our offices in Indianapolis, IN and Louisville, KY
• We are also open to remote work arrangements

‍How to Apply

If you would like to be considered as a potential candidate for this position, please submit a cover letter stating your interest and qualifications, a resume, a portfolio showcasing your technical and writing skills, and contact information for three references; all materials should be in PDF format and the total size of all files should not exceed 20 MB. REA is committed to diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. We encourage those from underrepresented communities — women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and those with disabilities - to apply. REA is an equal opportunity employer (EO/AA/VEV/Disabled employer).