What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Co-op position at KZF Design?
Urban Planner Co-op
Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202
Department: Urban Planning
About Kzf Design
KZF Design is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm proudly recognized as one of Cincinnati’s Top Workplaces since 2021. We are passionate about creating spaces that serve, inspire, and strengthen communities. Join a team where your voice matters and your work make a difference.
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level Urban Planner Co-op to join our planning team in Cincinnati, Ohio. This role is suited for someone early in their career who is interested in contributing to planning projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary A/E environment.
The Urban Planner Co-op will work on a range of projects focused on community planning, mobility and infrastructure planning, corridor studies, scenario planning, site planning, and recreation planning. Working alongside other planners, engineers, architects, and landscape architects, this position is actively involved in both long-range planning efforts and site-specific studies.
This role involves researching and data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparing reports, maps, and graphics that translate ideas into clear, visually compelling, and implementable plans for our public- and private-sector clients.
Responsibilities
Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202
Department: Urban Planning
About Kzf Design
KZF Design is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm proudly recognized as one of Cincinnati’s Top Workplaces since 2021. We are passionate about creating spaces that serve, inspire, and strengthen communities. Join a team where your voice matters and your work make a difference.
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level Urban Planner Co-op to join our planning team in Cincinnati, Ohio. This role is suited for someone early in their career who is interested in contributing to planning projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary A/E environment.
The Urban Planner Co-op will work on a range of projects focused on community planning, mobility and infrastructure planning, corridor studies, scenario planning, site planning, and recreation planning. Working alongside other planners, engineers, architects, and landscape architects, this position is actively involved in both long-range planning efforts and site-specific studies.
This role involves researching and data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and preparing reports, maps, and graphics that translate ideas into clear, visually compelling, and implementable plans for our public- and private-sector clients.
Responsibilities
- Support senior planners on studies, reports, planning documents, and other project activities
- Support planning and urban design projects through research, data collection, and analysis
- Assist in preparing planning documents, reports, and presentations
- Create maps, graphics, and visual materials using GIS and Adobe Creative Suite
- Compile and summarize data related to land use, demographics, development, economic, and recreation trends
- Assist with site planning, corridor studies, and scenario planning efforts
- Develop concept plans, diagrams, and graphics that communicate planning ideas clearly
- Support preparation of materials for client meetings and public engagement activities
- Assist in organizing and documenting input from stakeholder and community engagement efforts
- Help review site plans and development proposals for consistency with zoning and planning policies
- Participate in coordination with internal project teams across disciplines
- Attend project team meetings, and daytime/evening/weekend meetings if needed
- Assist with field investigation site visits as requested
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in planning, urban design, or a related field
- 1–3 years of experience (internships or related experience applicable)
- Working knowledge of Esri ArcGIS Pro
- Strong graphic and layout skills using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Familiarity with AutoCAD® and SketchUp
- Strong written communication skills, including report writing and document preparation
- Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple assignments
- Ability to think critically and contribute to problem-solving efforts
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
- Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment with a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience with planning documents such as master plans, strategic plans, or design guidelines
- Familiarity with site planning or urban design concepts; Hand drawing is a plus
- Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Enscape
- AICP Candidate or interest in pursuing AICP certification
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Commitment to design excellence and community impact