Job Description

We seek a talented Urban Designer + Planner with 4-6 years of experience for a position in the Philadelphia office. The position requires an interest in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams on design, research, site analysis, graphics, community engagement activities, planning process, and writing for master planning and design projects.

This role offers growth potential for a creative problem solver and motivated individual. Experience or interest in project management is a plus!

Our Community Design practice is guided by four overarching themes:

• ACHIEVING EQUITY: We believe in equitable communities that level playing fields for their most vulnerable citizens.
• PLANNING FOR RESILIENCY: Our planning and design practice is guided by an ecological and systems-based approach with resiliency at its core.
• PLACEMAKING AT ALL SCALES: The craft of placemaking is the process of activating the public realm through design.
• EMBRACING COMMUNITY VALUES: The threads of a community create a sense of belonging, strength, comfort, and pliability.

To ensure that the issues and concerns most important to our clients are effectively addressed, we guide the development of projects through a process that depends upon a sound understanding of community values and aspirations, obtained through early and continuous citizen involvement, and a commitment to understanding the site-specific opportunities and challenges as a basis for strategic decision-making. We’re looking for a highly motivated candidate that shares WRT’s values and collaborative spirit to work on a variety of planning and urban design assignments.

Pay Range: $65K - $82K

Responsibilities include:

• Perform planning and design assignments with limited supervision
• Support project management duties related to budgeting staff time, developing, and maintaining client relationships, coordinating with other consultants, and completion of interim and final client deliverables
• Conceptualize and develop project graphics, content, and written narrative
• Assist with public participation processes and stakeholder facilitation
• Support senior staff and principals while overseeing and mentoring junior staff

The ideal candidate will have :

• A Master’s degree in Urban Design or Planning or a 5-year accredited undergraduate professional degree.
• A Bachelor’s degree (or experience) in Urban Design/Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Sustainability, Environmental Design, Geography, or related field.
• Demonstrated professional experience in planning, design, and community-based development (e.g., master planning, campus planning, site planning, adaptation and resiliency, land use planning, green infrastructure, transportation, economic development, implementation strategies, and/or housing policies).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, team collaboration, and the interest and ability to facilitate conversations with a wide range of stakeholders and clients.
• Experience with a variety of community engagement techniques and comfort with meeting facilitation approaches and on the ground community engagement.
• Creativity, self-motivation, and interest in evolving planning issues such as resiliency, climate change, technology, and equity.
• Great graphic skills and ability to think holistically and convey urban design concepts and solutions that are clear and concise.
• AICP certification or interest in working towards AICP certification and/or a member of APA preferred.
• A shared understanding of WRT’s social and environmental values, including the principles of crafting resilient, place-based development strategies

Compensation & Benefits Include*:

• The expected pay range for this position is between $65,000 - $82,000 annually, dependent upon education, skills, experience, skillset
• Hybrid/telecommuting work schedule
• 401k plan
• Health benefits (medical, vision, dental, life insurance, EAP, etc.)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal days, parental leave, 7 holidays)
• 8 hours of paid volunteerism
• Licensing Exam Assistance
• Transit benefits
• HSA or FSA Accounts are available based on eligibility requirements

* Above is a partial list of benefits provided

We are passionate about making an impact and welcome candidates who share our passion and bring diverse experience or non-traditional backgrounds. If you are a driven, creative professional, we welcome you to apply. See the following link: . Please submit your cover letter, resume, and portfolio / work samples. (Size limit is 20mb)

Who We Are:

As an interdisciplinary team of planners, designers, and strategists, WRT works across scales to create transformative and lasting impacts in social equity, climate resilience, and learning environments. Our clients value our collaborative approach, leadership, and ability to design meaningful solutions that are responsive to their challenges, values, and aspirations. Founded in 1963, WRT was formed on the environmental ethos of designing with nature. In the 60 years since, WRT has grown into an award-winning planning and design firm with offices in Philadelphia and San Francisco. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We strongly value diversity and an inclusive workplace. 

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