Land / Urban Planner

Ragan-Smith-Associates, LLC is hiring a full-time Land Planner / Urban Designer for their Chattanooga or Murfreesboro office. The role involves collaborating on various public sector projects, including community planning and urban design. Candidates should have experience in planning, community engagement, and project management. The position requires proficiency in GIS and design software, along with the ability to lead workshops and engage with community members.
Job Description: Ragan Smith, a Pape-Dawson company, is seeking a full-time Land Planner / Urban Designer to join our Landscape Architecture and Land Planning Studio based in our Murfreesboro or Chattanooga office. The ideal candidate is creative, collaborative, and has a passion for creating places that are authentic, innovative, and functional. This position will have an opportunity to work on a broad range of projects with a focus on public sector work, planning, and design including community comprehensive plans, parks and recreation planning and design, community mobility and alternative transportation plans, streetscape and urban design, green infrastructure, civic center, and downtown master planning. RaganSmith is looking to grow our flourishing community planning and urban design practice with a proven contributor. This position will have the opportunity to work with experienced AICP planners, registered LAs and Civil Engineers but should have a demonstrated record of success in developing plans, projects, and policy documents for community-based projects. The selected candidate will also demonstrate a passion and aptitude for planning and designing the public realm, an understanding of both comprehensive planning concepts and neighborhood scale planning implementation. The candidate should demonstrate comfort engaging community members in the design process, and translating community input into functional plans, policy, and designs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Support senior planners and/or project managers in producing master planning documents for federal, state and local municipal projects Support project team in data collection and data analysis Preparation of reports, findings, and strategies Production of plans and maps, GIS production, report graphics production, and workshop meeting documentation Support project teams and sometimes lead client workshops Experience in monitoring and maintaining a project framework, budget, and schedule Review and edit planning and design documents throughout a project lifecycle Assist department leads in preparing proposals and assigning project teams Potential for occasional travel and nighttime city engagement meetings Additional related duties as assigned Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to efficiently read, comprehend, and interpret a variety of community plans, resource documents, and data sources (including GIS) Candidates with transportation planning background and experience creating safety action plans, safe streets for all plans, vision zero strategies, and other forms of multi-use or safety related transportation strategy document Comfortable facilitating small group discussions and building consensus Possess a functional understanding of comprehensive planning and policy documents, zoning and development codes, entitlement process, and transportation plans Manage and mentor a team to meet project goals and deadlines Perform and manage the design of projects in ArcGIS Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and MS Office platforms Coordinate and lead meetings with clients, design professionals, reviewing agencies, state agencies, development districts, and nonprofit agencies Help lead and document community engagement and public input Have a general understanding of federal and state grant administration Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Environmental Planning & Design, or a related field 3-7+ years of experience in land planning and design Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, and MS Office Expertise in at least one of the following platforms: ArcGIS Pro, Esri Business Analyst, CAD, Revit, or other similar programs Adaptability and time management Ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams AICP certification or ability to obtain within 6 months Benefits Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Long-term and short-term disability coverage Generous PTO and paid holidays 401(k) safe harbor contribution plus 10% employer matching Premium time paid out to eligible salaried employees when over 40 hours are worked in a week Annual salary review and bonus Tuition and gym reimbursements Parental leave Flexible work environment Focus on work-life balance RaganSmith was founded in 1933 as a land surveying company. More than nine decades later, we have grown into an interdisciplinary consulting firm of experienced civil engineers, landscape architects, transportation experts, savvy surveyors, and brilliant land planners serving the private and public sectors. In 2024, RaganSmith joined the Pape-Dawson family of companies. Pape-Dawson is an industry-leading, future-focused civil engineering and professional services firm with nationwide locations. RaganSmith is an equal opportunity employer recognizing the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, and/or protected veteran status in accordance with governing laws. Please submit a portfolio of relevant work to be considered. EEO Statement: All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Pape-Dawson is a leading civil engineering and professional services firm, with a history of delivering award-winning infrastructure and development projects with national impact. Our diverse team of experts is passionate about solving complex problems and making a difference in our communities. We offer career opportunities in a company culture that values personal growth and professional excellence. With world-class benefits and a commitment to your overall wellbeing, Pape-Dawson is a place where you can thrive both personally and professionally.