Chief Planner - Remote, US

Short Description

Bowman has an opportunity for a Chief Planner to remotely join our team in Leesburg, VA.

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That's why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.

Purpose

Leads advanced planning activities for residential, commercial, and public land development projects. This role applies deep expertise in land use planning, zoning, entitlement processes, and site feasibility to guide project vision, ensure regulatory compliance, and support high-quality, sustainable design outcomes. Oversees complex planning assignments, provides quality assurance for planning deliverables, and contributes to business development efforts that grow client relationships and expand the firm's capabilities.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive broad guidance on objectives, critical issues, and policy matters while operating with significant independence in planning decision-making.

• Apply extensive and diversified knowledge of planning principles, practices, and related fields across complex assignments.

• Review deliverables produced by planning staff for quality assurance, accuracy, and compliance with project standards.

• Provide mentorship, direction, and technical guidance to junior and mid-level planners.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Collaborate with senior leaders to support planning initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• Assist in marketing the firm's planning capabilities to secure new opportunities and enhance client relationships.

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams-including engineering, landscape architecture, environmental, and surveying-to support integrated project delivery.

• Interact with local agencies, stakeholders, and the public to support entitlements and community engagement.

Do the Work

• Prepare conceptual land use plans and land planning solutions for a variety of development projects.

• Conduct site feasibility studies, due diligence assessments, and technical reports.

• Prepare and oversee submittal documents for permits and approvals, including formal site plans and plans of development.

• Research, analyze, and compile planning data to support regulatory compliance, design decisions, and problem-solving.

• Interpret zoning codes, ordinances, and agency requirements to inform project design.

• Compile and maintain documentation such as impact studies, demographic data, maps, reports, and diagrams.

• Develop planning exhibits, graphic presentations, and materials for public meetings or hearings.

• Create constraints maps and other analytical tools for project assessment.

• Conduct site plan reviews to ensure compliance with state and local criteria, including setbacks, easements, rights-of-way, and surveys.

• Research landowner data, third-party agreements, tenant planning requirements, and development restrictions.

Success Metrics and Competencies

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.

• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.

• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.

• Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.

• Strong marketing/business development skills and mindset.

• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.

• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.

• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.

• Commitment to becoming a "citizen" of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.

• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.

• Data analysis and interpretation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering or related field required.

• 10+ years of planning or similarly relevant experiencein the land development industry.

• Certification in AICP or ALA and a licensed registered professional or equivalent experience preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Proficiency in industry-standard planning and/or engineering design software such as AutoCAD or 3D modeling programs, graphic design applications such as Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketchup, or ArcGIS is strongly preferred.

• Experience reading construction plans.

• Must hold a valid state driver's license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.

About Bowman

Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We're committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $125,000 - $150,000 per year and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays

• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

• Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.

• Mobility around an office environment.

• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• Occasional outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.

• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Occasional use of data collection equipment and/or drones, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.

• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.

• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.

• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.

• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

#LI-FS1

Job Description Disclaimer

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here (https://bowman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EEO-Policy-1.pdf) . If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here (https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/discrimination) .

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruiting@bowman.com .

Bowman is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please go here: https://bowman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EEO-Policy-1.pdf. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please go here: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/discrimination.