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‍Job Description

‍Gates Studio is seeking a thoughtful, curious, and collaborative Junior Planner to join our team. We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, interested in community-focused design, and excited to contribute to a wide range of landscape planning and design projects. The ideal candidate values creativity, communication, and teamwork, and is passionate about creating places that strengthen communities.

In this role, you will support planning projects through research, writing, graphics, and community engagement efforts. You will work closely with our Senior Planner, landscape designers, and outreach coordinator on projects such as citywide PROS (Parks, Recreation, and Open Space) Master Plans, design guidelines, streetscape master plans, and related planning efforts. This position is a great opportunity for someone early in their career to gain hands-on experience and grow their skills in planning, design, and public engagement while contributing to meaningful community projects. ‍

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Planner/ Project Manager in planning tasks and project administration

• Research and analyze social, economic, and demographic community characteristics, recreation trends, community feedback data, park and recreation systems, and more

• Write technical reports, high-level planning content, feasibility studies, and Community Needs Assessment report content

• Assist with public involvement efforts including community outreach strategies and activities, web-based engagement, and public meetings

• Assist in the development of vision, goals, and recommendations for master plan documents

• Proactively provide design and graphic support for planning and outreach efforts, primarily in ArcGIS and Adobe InDesign and Illustrator

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related field

• Knowledge and understanding of planning processes, theories, practices, and urban design fundamentals with a focus on parks and recreation preferred but not necessary

• Ability to comprehend various planning documents, zoning, and municipal codes

• Strong organization skills and demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, multiple simultaneous projects, and critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong professional ethics, accountability, and decision-making capabilities

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication, organization, and analytic skills

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment

• Exhibits strong initiative and the ability to work independently with little to no supervision, managing tasks and daily workflows

• Proficient in MS Word and Excel, Google Drive Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS analysis and mapping, and similar software

Desired but not required skills:

• ‍AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop

• Bilingual verbal and written skills in English and Spanish

• Website development using software such as Squarespace

All work will be completed in our sole office in Walnut Creek, CA.

‍Compensation and Benefits:

Your health and welfare are a priority to us, we offer a competitive compensation package, including  Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401K, Paid time off (PTO), and Sick leave. A Hybrid 40 hr. schedule after 90 days upon approval by manager (2 remote days maximum).

$65,000 - $75,000/year depending on experience.

Gates Studio is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter, resume, and any relevant work samples you would like to share to rylee@gates-studio.com and hazel@gates-studio.com.