About Stratus

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.

The Role

The Senior Urban Planner I leads major components of long-range planning, zoning, mobility planning, and policy development projects. This role is responsible for managing analytical workstreams, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs, developing planning recommendations, and producing high-quality deliverables that guide client decision-making. The Senior Urban Planner I frequently interfaces with client teams, community stakeholders, and public agencies, contributing to outreach activities, facilitating discussions, and presenting findings. This role supports project management functions, mentors junior staff, and ensures technical accuracy, regulatory alignment, and strategic clarity across all planning outputs.

Responsibilities

Lead significant portions of planning projects, including comprehensive plans, small-area plans, policy frameworks, zoning assessments, and multimodal studies
Conduct and oversee complex zoning and land-use analyses, including code interpretation, scenario testing, and policy implications
Develop planning recommendations, synthesizing spatial analysis, regulatory frameworks, demographic trends, and client goals
Prepare key sections of major planning documents, including goals, strategies, implementation steps, and supporting narrative content
Conduct advanced GIS spatial analyses, including forecasting, suitability modeling, redevelopment potential, and land-use capacity
Facilitate client and stakeholder meetings, presenting findings, collecting input, and revising recommendations to reflect priorities and constraints
Lead components of community engagement, including workshops, charrettes, open houses, and public presentations
Evaluate development proposals for zoning compliance, infrastructure implications, transportation impacts, and policy alignment
Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, architecture, urban design, environmental, and economic specialists
Monitor and support project schedules, assisting project managers by tracking deliverables, level-of-effort, and task progress
Mentor Urban Planner I–III staff, providing oversight, feedback, and training on research, GIS, analyses, and report development
Ensure accuracy and quality control of planning analyses, maps, graphics, and written deliverables

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related field
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible planning experience
Demonstrated experience managing key components of large-scale planning projects
Strong portfolio or work samples demonstrating advanced planning analysis, writing, and map production

Preferred

Master’s degree in Planning or related discipline
AICP certification (or progress toward certification)
Experience presenting to public audiences, elected officials, or regulatory bodies
Familiarity with economic analysis tools, transportation modeling, or environmental review processes

Why you’ll love Stratus

A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
Learning & Development – Education and Professional Licensing
We believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
Excellent Health Care Programs – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
401k Retirement Plan with employer match
Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit https://www.stratusteam.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site