Entry Level Urban Planner
Full-Time | Austin, TX or Minneapolis, MN

Now more than ever, landscape architects and urban planners are being called upon to help solve the toughest problems cities face. Mend Collaborative is seeking an imaginative and motivated planner to join us as we plan, design, and build equitable, resilient, and community-focused places.

This individual should have a strong interest in spatial planning and a desire to work across Mend's practice areas of landscape architecture, planning, and urban design. Projects may include downtown and neighborhood planning, parks, open space and trails planning, community development and engagement, connectivity (of people and systems), and research on the intersections of these efforts — all through the lens of economic, social, and environmental justice and equity. This is a multi-scalar position with project work across Texas, Minnesota, and nationally.

We're looking for a dedicated individual who knows how to turn ideas into action. You'll be a great Mend team member if you are a skilled and clear communicator, autonomous, organized, collaborative, creative, and passionate about urban planning, design, ecology, and social justice. Fluency in languages other than English is desirable but not required.

About Us

Mend Collaborative is a landscape architecture and planning firm based in Austin, Texas and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our team values empowering communities to participate in decisions about the investments that impact them. We create actionable plans and designs that measurably improve community quality of life and access to resources while enhancing environmental quality. We believe in strengthening the connections between people and the environment.

Experience

Qualifications:

• Academic background (undergraduate or graduate degrees) in urban planning, urban design, or other allied professions.
• Interest or skills in design practices such as landscape architecture and urban planning.
• 0–2 years of experience as an urban planner or designer, especially with a focus on parks planning, urban design, or community planning.
• Technical understanding of the planning process.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and GIS. Experience with SketchUp, Rhino, or other 3D programs is a plus.
• Understanding of planning principles and theory, with an intersectional understanding of social and cultural studies.
• Strong visual communication and graphic storytelling skills.
• Experience designing and carrying out public engagement activities.
• Strong writing and graphic communication skills.
• Interest in working in a collaborative studio with landscape designers, landscape architects, and ecology-focused professionals on a variety of public space projects.

Compensation

Pay is commensurate with experience and location, and will be negotiated following a successful application.

Office Expectations

This is a hybrid position. The successful applicant should plan to work approximately three days per week in person. Occasional travel to project sites, both local and national, is expected.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is Friday, August 29. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled prior to the closing date. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

To apply, please complete the Google Form and upload all required materials in PDF format. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required materials:

• Resume
• Portfolio/Work Samples
• Cover Letter (1-page max) describing your interests and goals
• At least two professional references

If you have questions, please contact Zakcq Lockrem at zakcq@mendcollaborative.com.