Land Development Manager Jobs in Chester, NJ (NOW HIRING)

EP Design Services LLC (EPDS) is Edgewood’s multi-disciplinary design firm providing architectural and engineering services.
EPDS provides superior design in creating memorable and viable environments.

We're currently seeking a Land Planner 
Candidate will work full-time in our creative office located in Piscataway, NJ.

3-7 years previous experience

All resumes must include a cover letter

This role is for someone who sees a blank parcel and starts asking the right questions. We're an integrated development team working across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects throughout New Jersey, and we're looking for a Land Planner who can translate raw site data into smart, buildable concepts that move projects forward. The right candidate is equally comfortable parsing a zoning ordinance, sketching a site layout, and presenting a plan to a municipal board.

This is a highly collaborative, fast-moving environment where land planning sits at the intersection of every discipline - engineering, architecture, entitlements, and development. The team here works closely together from day one, and leadership is accessible, experienced, and genuinely invested in developing the people around them. If you want to build expertise across a wide range of project types while working alongside people who take the work seriously, this is the right place.

Site Analysis & Feasibility

• Research, analyze, and compile public records, municipal data, and regulatory information to support site feasibility assessments.
• Evaluate sites for development potential, including bulk standards, topography, environmental constraints, wetlands, flood zones, and utility availability.
• Read and interpret local zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and master plans to determine what is achievable on a given site.
• Identify opportunities and constraints early so the development team can make informed go/no-go decisions with confidence.

Concept Design & Site Planning

• Lead early-stage concept design for sites, translating development objectives and site constraints into viable planning solutions.
• Develop and draft detailed site plans that reflect a practical understanding of how land use, circulation, grading, and program interact.
• Utilize 3D modeling and visualization software to help ownership and project teams understand and evaluate site options before committing resources.
• Iterate quickly across multiple design scenarios to support development decision-making at the earliest project stages.

Municipal Applications & Presentations

• Prepare drawings, exhibits, and supporting materials for municipal land use applications, including planning board and zoning board submissions.
• Develop clear, compelling presentations that communicate project concepts to internal stakeholders, municipal officials, and community members.
• Coordinate with the entitlements team to ensure all planning materials align with approval strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Attend municipal hearings and meetings as needed to support the entitlements process.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with architecture, civil engineering, and entitlements teams to develop projects in a fully integrated manner from the outset.
• Serve as a key connector between site constraints, regulatory requirements, and design ambitions - ensuring all disciplines are working from the same understanding of a site.
• Contribute to project feasibility analyses and due diligence reviews alongside development and acquisition teams.

• Analytical Thinking - Synthesizes complex regulatory, physical, and financial constraints into clear planning recommendations.
• Visual Communication - Produces drawings, diagrams, and presentations that make complex spatial ideas accessible to any audience.
• Collaboration - Builds strong working relationships across disciplines and contributes to a team environment where ideas are shared openly.
• Adaptability - Manages multiple projects at different stages simultaneously without losing attention to detail or deadlines.
• Initiative - Identifies what a project needs next and moves it forward without waiting to be directed.

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 3-7 years of experience in land planning, site planning, or land development in New Jersey or a comparable regulatory environment.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for site plan production.
• Working knowledge of GIS for site analysis and data mapping.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for presentation and exhibit production.
• Experience with SketchUp or comparable 3D modeling tools for site visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to read and apply local zoning ordinances and land use regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to municipal bodies or public stakeholders.

Desirable

• AICP certification or active pursuit of certification.
• Familiarity with NJ land use law, the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), and NJ planning board processes.
• Experience working on multi-family, mixed-use, or large-scale residential land development projects.
• Comfort leveraging AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency and visualization output.
• Experience supporting or managing third-party planning consultants.

In return, we offer competitive compensation, along with comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental and vision benefits, life insurance,
a 401(k) with company match and a corporate team environment with opportunity of advancment.
Also includes on-site company fitness gym, discounts on housing and home appliances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.