Associate Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LaBella Associates' Planning Group seeks a Senior Planner to join our Richmond, Virginia office. Our planning team partners closely with municipalities to provide planning and zoning support that strengthens communities and drives sustainable growth. We specialize in community planning, area and neighborhood planning, zoning and land use regulations, revitalization strategies, environmental planning, grant services, and robust community engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in municipal planning support, with expertise in comprehensive planning, zoning, public engagement, and implementation strategies that help communities in Virginia achieve their long-term goals. Excellent writing, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for this role.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to contribute to municipal planning initiatives. Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing reports and analyses including comprehensive plans, land use studies, and neighborhood/downtown revitalization strategies.
• Leading and facilitating public meetings, workshops, and engagement events to gather meaningful community input.
• Drafting and updating zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other land use tools.
• Preparing and administering grant applications to support municipal projects and programs.
• Managing projects, including scheduling, budgets, deliverables, and municipal client communications.
• Building and maintaining municipal client relationships, including preparation of proposals and presentations to boards and councils.

Requirements

• Masters in Planning, public administration, or a related field and 5-10 years of experience. Candidates with a bachelor's degree will also be considered
• AICP preferred or on track to achieve certification
• Broad understanding of the principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, and public engagement.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with ability to present to elected officials, boards, and the public.
• Strong presentation/facilitation skills
• Graphic and visualization skills to support plans and engagement
• Self-motivated with an eagerness to learn
• Outgoing personality and ability to work effectively with diverse community stakeholders

Benefits

Body, mind, and wallet-LaBella's benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health/Dental Insurance
• 401k Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Leadership Development Program
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Team Building Events
• Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.

LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.