Urban Planner

WGM Group is seeking a Land Planner to join our dynamic planning and design firm in Missoula, MT in the vibrant Northern Rockies. We are a comprehensive multi-disciplinary engineering firm including, planning & design, survey, environmental and natural resource management with office locations in Bozeman, Kalispell, Missoula, and Hamilton. This role will support the project team by assisting in the development of comprehensive plans and programs for public and private projects in land use that help create communities and accommodate population change.

Please provide work sample(s) that clearly illustrate your understanding of policy documents vs regulatory documents, your ability to conduct research, and your ability to prepare reports and/or applications. 

Role & Responsibilities:

As an integral player in our growing firm, you will: 

• Research and compile information on a variety of planning issues. May write general plan amendments, municipal zoning code analysis, and development documentation.
• Review building plans and zoning permit applications to assure compliance with local zoning.
• Investigate violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
• Attend public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Assist in resolving public and client issues and questions related to planning, zoning, land use, permits, and development related matters. 

Depending on experience level, you may:

• Prepare final plat packets, public notices, subdivision applications, reports, agency responses, and draft legal documents such as easements. 
• Prepare feasibility studies including the strategic framework and development options for land use to be translated into three-dimensional models.
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals.

Qualifications:

As a valued member of our team, at a minimum you will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, environmental sciences or a related field and 1 or more years of planning experience.
• Knowledge of the current trends, philosophies, principals, practices, and regulatory requirements of planning.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, GIS databases, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address client and public inquiries and concerns.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Compensation & Benefits Package:

WGM Group promotes a healthy work-life balance, offering both flexible and hybrid work schedules. In addition, WGM provides hourly pay to all employees with all hours worked over 40/week being eligible for overtime compensation. 

WGM offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, flex spending accounts, retirement savings plan (401K) with matching contributions, generous PTO, holiday pay, and a bonus and profit-sharing incentive.

WGM Group supports the professional development of employees by helping to offset professional licensing and offering Education Cost Assistance for training and continuing education programs.

Employees also enjoy the added benefit of working from our beautiful office overlooking the Clark Fork River, nestled at the mouth of the Hellgate Canyon just below Mount Sentinel and a stone’s throw from the University of Montana campus. The convenient location is mere minutes from a wide array of restaurants and entertainment options in downtown Missoula. Five trailheads, river access, and a bike trail are all within ½ mile of the WGM parking lot.