Land Planner

Actalent
Columbus, OH

Job Title: Land Planner

Job Description

This position seeks an experienced Land Planner to lead and deliver land planning projects, with a strong focus on residential subdivision and entitlement-driven developments. You will serve as a key client-facing professional responsible for managing projects, coordinating regulatory approvals, delivering public presentations, and mentoring junior team members. You will collaborate closely with engineers, architects, surveyors, and municipal staff to guide projects from concept through entitlements and approvals while shaping high-quality residential communities.

Responsibilities

  • Manage land planning projects from initial concept through entitlements and final approvals, with a primary focus on residential subdivision developments.
  • Lead and support real estate entitlements, including rezoning requests, planned developments, and other regulatory approvals.
  • Review and interpret municipal zoning codes, land development regulations, comprehensive plans, and ordinances to ensure project compliance.
  • Prepare, coordinate, and deliver clear and persuasive public presentations to planning commissions, city councils, zoning boards, community groups, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate closely with civil engineers, architects, surveyors, attorneys, developers, and municipal reviewers to align project goals and requirements.
  • Oversee and contribute to the preparation of site plans, exhibits, graphics, and supporting materials needed for entitlements and approvals.
  • Mentor junior staff by delegating tasks, reviewing work products, providing feedback, and supporting their professional development.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the planning and entitlement process, offering strategic guidance and proactive communication.
  • Manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently while maintaining high standards of quality and client service.

Essential Skills

  • 5–10+ years of experience in land planning, with a strong emphasis on residential subdivision projects.
  • Demonstrated experience managing entitlement and rezoning processes from application through approval.
  • Proven ability to present confidently and professionally to public bodies and community stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD for preparing and reviewing site plans and related drawings.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Design Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop, for producing exhibits and graphics.
  • Strong knowledge of zoning codes, development regulations, and municipal review processes.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Solid understanding of land planning, permitting, zoning, and the entitlement process.
  • Experience working within urban planning, land development, or related disciplines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field is preferred but not required.
  • Experience using SketchUp or other 3D or visualization tools.
  • Experience mentoring or supervising junior planners or designers.
  • Familiarity with Central Ohio municipal planning processes.
  • Experience or exposure to urban planning, landscape architecture, urban development, and land development.
  • Strong project management capabilities, including coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and provide strategic planning advice.

Work Environment

The role is primarily in-office, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement as needed. You will work in a collaborative and supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and professional growth. The position involves regular interaction with clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies, including site visits and attendance at public meetings. You will use tools such as AutoCAD, Adobe Design Suite, and visualization software in a modern office setting. The firm offers opportunities for visible impact on residential communities, direct client interaction, leadership responsibilities, mentorship opportunities, and long-term growth within a respected planning practice.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Flexible work hours, 401K + match, paid holidays / PTO, health insurance and a yearly performance bonus.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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