Economic Research Assistant Jobs in Puerto Rico (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Urban Planning Specialist to support planning and capacity-building activities under the Puerto Rico Department of Housing's (PRDOH) Vacant Property Recovery (VPR) Program. Working under the direction of the Senior Urban Planning Lead, this position will assist in the development of planning strategies, municipal assessments, stakeholder outreach efforts, technical reports, training materials, and implementation tools designed to address vacant and abandoned properties across Puerto Rico.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary:
The Urban Planning Specialist will collaborate with municipal officials, community organizations, planners, legal and environmental specialists, GIS professionals, and program staff to support planning initiatives that promote neighborhood revitalization, property reuse, and community resilience. This role is ideal for an emerging planning professional who is passionate about community development and interested in gaining experience with federally funded planning programs.

The successful candidate will contribute to research, data collection, stakeholder engagement, report preparation, policy analysis, and program implementation activities while supporting the delivery of high-quality planning products and technical assistance resources.

Essential Job Functions: 
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Assist in evaluating municipal processes, staffing capacity, policies, and planning procedures.
• Conduct research on vacant property management, neighborhood revitalization, and planning best practices.
• Support the development of planning tools, templates, guides, and technical resources.
• Assist with stakeholder outreach, public engagement activities, workshops, and meetings.
• Participate in municipal interviews, site visits, and assessment activities.
• Prepare technical memoranda, reports, presentations, meeting summaries, and recommendations.
• Support the development of training materials and capacity-building resources.
• Collect, organize, and analyze planning, demographic, property, and community data.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to support project deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Assist in maintaining project records and documentation in accordance with program requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Public Policy, Architecture, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of professional experience in planning, community development, housing, economic development, or a related field.
• Strong research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, and technical documents.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Planning or a related field.
• Familiarity with municipal planning, community development, housing policy, or vacant property initiatives.
• Experience working with government agencies, municipalities, or federally funded programs.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ArcGIS, or similar mapping tools.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder meetings or community engagement efforts.
• AICP Candidate status or interest in pursuing professional planning certification.

Physical Requirements: 
All candidates must be in Puerto Rico to be considered for the position.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors: 
This is a remote position with intermittent travel to participate in community meetings or outreach activities on island.

Compensation: 
The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $85,000 (depending on experience). The base salary range represents the low and high end of the compensation scale for this role. Actual salaries will be determined based on location, experience, responsibilities, and qualifications.

Additional Information:

• Employment Type: Full-time (contingent upon award)
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM (no expected overtime)
• Travel Requirements: 5%-10% (for community engagement meetings)
• Work Location: Puerto Rico (San Juan, Guaynabo, Ponce)