JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Planner/Analyst is an entry-level position in DESMAN’s Parking Consulting Services division located in Chicago. Planner/Analysts are mentored by a Senior Consultant for a period of 1-2 years, during which they develop technical expertise, project management skills, industry knowledge and a client base. Successful Planner/Analysts typically convert to Project Managers within three years, with the objective of becoming an Associate or Principal within the firm. New planner/analysts work at the direction of a Project Manager collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, researching industry best practices and trends, preparing spreadsheet models and designing and executing surveys.

Our consulting practice covers a wide range of planning tasks including physical planning, financial analysis, parking demand, parking operations, mobility, and shared parking. Each planner has an opportunity to find their preferred niche.

Consulting projects can be as short as two weeks from initiation to delivery of a report or can last years. A DESMAN office typically has between 5 and 15 active projects at any given time, so the work is varied. Engagements are deadline driven and typically require submission of a written report at their conclusion; candidates should be capable of managing multiple tasks and regularly producing clear, concise written reports. Planner/analysts may work collaboratively in larger teams, but will primarily work independently or closely with a single Project Manager or Senior Consultant.

Planner/analysts may be required to conduct person-to-person surveys or lead field data collection efforts of up to ten (10) temporary employees; strong verbal and interpersonal skills are critical. Prior experience managing peers or others in any business situation is a plus.

Field data collection – inventorying parking facilities in a defined area, counting cars, collecting information of parking rates – is a regular part of the job and will require the candidate to be outside and in all conditions and or periods of 6-12 hours, so good health and stamina is critical. Much of data collection takes place in urban environments and may be occasionally scheduled after dark. Candidates should have strong situational awareness and the ability to orient themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.

Planner/analysts will learn how to build and manipulate complex spreadsheet models analyzing statistical and financial data and prepare graphs, tables and figures for inclusion in reports and presentations. Prior experience and training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and /or PowerPoint is a plus. Candidates with experience in GIS, AutoCAD and/or REVIT will be considered superior.

Planner/analysts will have an opportunity participate in business development activities including attendance at pre-bid conferences, preparing of formal proposals, attendance at project interviews and participation in trade/industry groups. Planner/analysts may also be asked to attend public meetings or hearings on a periodic basis and take notes.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Strong writing skills:  Candidates should have experience preparing research papers, formal reports and/or technical documents. Candidates should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely in emails, memoranda and reports using standard business grammar, punctuation and vernacular. Successful finalists will be asked to present writing samples for review.
2. Strong oral skills: Candidates should be able to understand English and speak it clearly in standard business vernacular. Candidates should be able to give clear commands and instructions to other and be able to ask and answer questions in a logical, neutral fashion. The ideal candidate is articulate and loquacious.
3. Strong analytical skills: Candidates should not only be capable of entering data into a spreadsheet and manipulating it, but also evaluating it for patterns and trends and drawing conclusions from their evaluation. Prior experience with Microsoft Excel is necessary; prior experience developing spreadsheet models in preferred.
4. Good work ethic: Candidates are expected to be punctual, self-initiating and conscientious. Candidates should be willing and capable of working outside in all weathers for extended periods, and maintaining focus and attention to detail. Candidates should be willing and capable for working occasion nights or weekends as needed.
5. Good social skills. Candidates will have an opportunity to work and interact with a variety of individuals, from Fortune 500 executives to parking lot attendants. The ability to relate to a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives is critical to the candidate’s success in the position.  Candidates should be confident, outgoing and personable. Candidate should be able to interact with individuals with a wide variety of temperaments in a neutral, professional manner.
6. Intellectual curiosity. The parking and transportation industry is in a period of rapid technological and philosophical evolution. Candidates should be imbued with a natural interest in educating themselves on a variety of subject matters and applying that knowledge to practical matters. Candidates should be capable of conducting both internet and direct field research on an as needed basis, with a minimum of direction.
7. Flexibility. Project work, by its nature, is cyclical and varied. Candidates should be prepared to work on multiple projects, for multiple clients, located in multiple cities, states, or regions and in different states of completion, within the same day. Project work is fast-paced and the scope of services often evolves between the proposal and project execution. Project work is deadline driven.
8. Creativity. Consulting is problem-solving, often applied to unique issues which cannot be resolved by standard approaches. Successful candidates gather ideas, concepts and approaches from a broad variety of disciplines (urban planning, business, economics, public policy, etc.) and align them to meet the client’s goal. A broad knowledge base and willingness to look at issues from new perspectives is highly advantageous.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume), college transcripts and references.

Candidates are encouraged to submit materials via email to:gsalzman@desman.com. All submitters will be contacted within ten (10) business days indicating whether DESMAN would like to schedule a personal interview.

BENEFITS

• Starting salary to be determined, depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive health, dental, optical, life and disability insurance
• Paid vacation, sick time and holidays
• Employer 401(k) plan
• Annual performance bonuses
• Paid regional or national travel
• Rapid career advancement
• Paid attendance to local, regional and/or national trade/industry events
• Job stability