What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Use Planner position at AKS Engineering & Forestry?
At AKS Engineering & Forestry, we’re all about building better communities—literally. We help shape neighborhoods, create spaces for businesses, and design the infrastructure that makes life better for everyone. As a locally owned firm, we’ve spent the past 28 years partnering with public and private clients to deliver high-quality engineering solutions across the Pacific Northwest.
But let’s get to the good part: We’re hiring! We’re looking for a Land Use Planner to join our Planning team in our Bend office. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love the challenges that come with this type of consulting work, this is an outstanding opportunity to work side by side with a well-respected and talented multi-disciplinary team of professionals in a dynamic organization.
What you’ll do
Research: Perform timely and accurate property, zoning, and utility research to ensure compliance with municipal land use regulations.
Application Preparation: Prepare, organize, and submit required materials for land use applications, including subdivisions, zone changes, conditional use permits, and site plan reviews.
Coordination: Assist with the preparation and submittal of high-quality applications for complex technical land use permits and entitlements.
Analysis: Analyze and break down complex issues affecting property, transportation networks, utility infrastructure, etc., to respond to client inquiries and assess the feasibility of property development.
Collaboration: Coordinate effectively with in-house engineering, surveying, and landscape architectural co-workers, permitting agency staff, and other project team members.
Proposal Development: Develop clearly written and detailed scopes of work for proposals.
Client Interaction: Coordinate with clients on project data and scheduling.
Meeting Organization: Set up, organize, and attend neighborhood meetings.
Project Management: Create, organize, and maintain project schedules, define critical paths, and track milestone dates.
Relationship Building: Develop and maintain effective positive working relationships with co-workers, clients, permitting agency staff, and other project team members.
Travel: Able to travel out of town as necessary, occasionally overnight.
Who you are
Extensive experience performing land use planning/land development related activities.
A bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, geography, or related field or equivalent work experience.
Experience interpreting and applying City and County Comprehensive Plans and Development Codes. Knowledge of Oregon’s Statewide Planning System.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient with word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and scheduling software (Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Adobe, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while providing support to Senior Land Use Planners or Project Managers with minimal supervision.
Ability to manage multiple and conflicting deadlines and prioritize workload. Able to think critically and provide creative and realistic solutions.
Nice to have
Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Photoshop, and geographic information systems (GIS).
About AKS Engineering & Forestry
We get it—work is just one part of life, and we’re here to make sure both are fulfilling. At AKS, you’ll find:
A collaborative team culture where everyone works together (and celebrates together).
Opportunities for growth and mentorship to keep your career moving forward.
A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and an immediately vested 401(k) match.
A flexible schedule to help you balance work and life.
Fun perks like team lunches, site visits, and community events that remind you why you love what you do.
We’ve also been named one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Washington year after year, so you know you’re joining a team that values its people.
We know you’re busy, so we’ll keep it simple: If this sounds like your kind of role—or if you just want to learn more—reach out. We’d love to tell you more about AKS and see if this could be the right fit for you.
Location: This position is based in our office in Bend, Oregon, and will require some travel.
Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
AKS Engineering and Forestry does not work with third-party recruiters or agencies. Candidates should be warned that third-party recruiters may misrepresent themselves as working on behalf of AKS. Candidates should only communicate directly with AKS employees.
Third-party recruiters and agencies should not contact AKS Engineering and Forestry employees directly. Any resumes sent from third-party recruiters or agencies to an AKS employee or submitted through the AKS website are considered unsolicited and the property of AKS. AKS will not pay a placement fee unless the recruiter or agency has a signed contract with AKS before submitting a candidate for consideration.
