Associate Project Manager - Regulatory Planning

Summary :

As an Associate Project Manager at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will play a crucial role in assisting with the managing and coordinating of projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and facilitating the approval process.

These projects could include items such as zoning, platting, variance requests, major thoroughfare plan amendments, and long-range planning documents such as Master Plans and Comprehensive Plans.

Your responsibilities will consist of understanding the regulatory approval process for various jurisdictions, presenting project proposals to governing bodies and clients, having a good understanding of zoning codes and documents, managing and assisting with the preparation of documents during the platting process, and maintaining strong knowledge of city requirements.

Additionally, you will contribute to the design process, interpret city ordinances, and demonstrate initiative in project management.

General Responsibilities :

Regulatory Approval Process : Possess a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory approval process for various jurisdictions, including zoning, platting, land development regulations, and long-range planning documents.

Stay updated on changes in regulations and ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Presentation Skills : Continuously enhance your presentation skills to effectively communicate project proposals to Planning and Zoning Commissions, City Councils, Zoning Boards of Adjustment, etc.

Demonstrate the ability to present confidently and effectively under duress or challenging situations.

Zoning Documents : Have a strong understanding of zoning documents and regulations, including the ability to write a zoning document from start to finish.

Ensure zoning documents align with project requirements, local regulations, and community objectives.

Platting Project Management : Assist with managing platting projects from submittal to approval with limited direction, ensuring adherence to project timelines and requirements.

Coordinate with various stakeholders, including surveyors, engineers, and legal teams, to gather information and documentation for platting submittals.

Demonstrate strong leadership skills to effectively lead the regulatory team in preparing plats, especially during competing deadlines.

City Requirements : Develop a good understanding of each city's requirements, processes, and procedures for all development projects, such as zoning, platting, variance requests, and major thoroughfare amendments.

Efficiently obtain necessary submittal items, such as Letters of Authorization, Letters of No Objection, Signed Applications, TIAs, engineering one-lines, etc.

for project submittals.

Design Process and Criteria : Possess a general understanding of the design process, including identifying when design elements do not meet jurisdictional criteria or project requirements.

Familiarity with standard design criteria, such as minimum radii for road types, block length requirements, square footages, and typical radii on curb returns.

Plat Development : Demonstrate the ability to build a plat from start to finish with limited to no errors, ensuring an accurate representation of land divisions, easements, setbacks, and other platting elements.

Maintain attention to detail and ensure a high level of accuracy in plat development (consistent fonts, text size, easement information, title blocks, etc.).

Fast-Paced Environment : Perform well in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines and effectively managing competing priorities.

Maintain composure and problem-solving abilities in challenging project scenarios.

Follow-through and Initiative : Take the initiative in keeping projects moving forward without reminders or requests, proactively addressing tasks, and seeking solutions to obstacles.

Demonstrate high self-motivation and reliability in fulfilling requested items and completing assigned tasks.

Required Education :

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

Required Experience :

• Minimum of 4 years of experience, preferably with at least 1 year at a public entity (City, County, Toll Authority, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of regulatory approval processes for various jurisdictions.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Familiarity with zoning documents and the ability to write them from start to finish.
• Experience in managing platting projects, from submittal to approval, with minimal guidance.
• Sound understanding of city requirements and the ability to gather necessary items for project submittals.
• Proficiency in interpreting city ordinances and applying them to project designs.
• Knowledge of standard design criteria and their application to project development.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to build plats accurately and efficiently, review and prepare zoning documents, review and prepare exhibits for inclusion with city submittals, or exhibits by client request.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to perform well under high-stress situations.

Preferred Certification :

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or the ability to achieve it within an appropriate time period"

As an Associate Project Manager-Regulatory at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the successful execution of projects, collaborate with talented regulatory and design teams, and play a vital role in the development of the department.