Urban Designer & Planner

Benchmark Planning is hiring an early-career Urban Designer & Planner in Charlotte, NC. The role involves urban design, master planning, GIS analysis, and graphic design. Responsibilities include preparing design elements, conducting research, drafting graphics, and engaging in public outreach. Candidates should have a relevant graduate degree, 1-5 years of experience, and strong communication skills. The position offers a salary starting at $60,000 plus benefits.
Benchmark Planning is seeking an early-career urban design and planning professional to join our dynamic national planning practice in Charlotte. The ideal candidate for this position will have combined interests and training in both urban planning and urban design. We seek someone with a range of skills, from urban design and master planning to GIS analysis and mapping to eye-catching graphic design and document layout.

The ideal candidate’s work will require clear and concise technical writing, the ability to perform comprehensive background research, public speaking and engagement, and the skill to develop and translate their creative talents into innovative urban design solutions and plans.

General Responsibilities
• Assisting with the preparation of design elements for downtown / small area plans, comprehensive plans, and related projects
• Assisting with the preparation of background research and reports to include GIS mapping and analysis, data collection and analysis, and technical summaries with relevant graphics in support of a wide-range of projects and plans
• Drafting, refining, and producing high quality graphics for public presentation and inclusion in plan documents
• Helping to organize, develop, and lead design workshops and charrettes
• Managing personal timeliness and technical correctness of a project to ensure high-quality work that fits within a client’s budget and expectations
• Assisting with public outreach and engagement
• Assisting with project tasks and related project work on several projects simultaneously
• Assisting with business development and marketing, including proposal research and attendance at conferences, when required
• Travel to client communities for day trips, evening meetings, and overnights, when required

Desired Experience, Skills, and Qualifications
• Graduate degree in planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field is preferred
• Approximately 1-5 years of professional design / planning experience
• Strong interest in community and the built environment (e.g., buildings, streets, plazas, open spaces, trails/greenways)
• Technical understanding of elements that make up the built environment (e.g. dimensional standards, typologies)
• A strong portfolio of independently produced urban design work with high graphic quality
• Hand and/or digital drawing, sketching, and ability to produce high-quality, illustrative renderings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and SketchUp
• Strong presentation skills and ability to speak in public
• The ability to clearly communicate complex ideas in a variety of formats (e.g., diagrams, graphic design, sketching, technical writing)
• Experience with web design, social media marketing, and branding is desired
• AICP certification or the ability to obtain it within two years is desired
• Possess a valid driver’s license as travel to various facilities and job sites will be required

Compensation and Benefits
• The minimum salary for this position is $60,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• 401k with employer match
• Employer paid medical, dental, and life insurance
• Reimbursement for professional memberships and certification management
• Paid time off (holidays, annual vacation / sick leave)

Company Overview

Benchmark Planning is a small business enterprise based in Charlotte, NC. Our office is located in the Elizabeth neighborhood, a walkable, mixed-use area adjacent to Uptown Charlotte. Our practice has traditionally included a wide range of planning and urban design work at the neighborhood, city, county, and regional levels, including the following typologies: comprehensive, downtown/small area, regional, multimodal, transit-oriented, urban design master planning, and an array of codes and ordinances. We have worked in 15 states across the country, with the majority having been in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. We are a fun, down-to-earth group of professionals who do great work, prioritize excellent client service, and maintain a diligent yet relaxed office environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may apply by visiting our website to submit a resume and portfolio (preferably a web link or PDF below 5mb) at: https://www.benchmarkplanning.com/careers