What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Use Planning Associate position at SAI Communications?
Land Use Planning Associate EV Charging Infrastructure
Position Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Land Use Planning Associate to support the development, entitlement, and permitting of large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities nationwide. The associate will work closely with internal teams, external consultants, utility providers, and government agencies to secure land use approvals, entitlements, permits, and regulatory compliance needed to deploy EV charging hubs at scale. This role requires a strong foundation in urban planning, land use regulations, environmental review, and infrastructure development processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development & Site Analysis
- Assist with site selection, feasibility studies, and due diligence for EV charging projects.
- Review zoning codes, land use regulations, and permitting requirements across jurisdictions.
- Identify site constraints, risks, and opportunities related to planning, environmental, and regulatory frameworks.
Entitlement & Permitting:
- Prepare and submit entitlement applications, conditional use permits, variances, and other land use approvals.
- Coordinate with planning departments, transportation agencies, utilities, and permitting authorities.
- Track timelines for approvals and proactively manage project schedules to meet development milestones.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Support community outreach and public hearing preparation, including presentation materials, maps, and exhibits.
- Coordinate with external consultants (environmental, traffic, architectural, and engineering).
- Build relationships with local officials, agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate project approval.
Regulatory & Compliance Support:
- Ensure projects comply with environmental review processes (CEQA, NEPA, or equivalent local/state requirements).
- Monitor and interpret federal, state, and municipal policy changes impacting EV infrastructure.
- Maintain accurate documentation for land use, entitlement, and permitting activities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work with development, engineering, construction, and legal teams to ensure smooth handoff from entitlement to construction.
- Provide planning expertise to support internal project proposals and investment decisions.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelors degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, Environmental Studies, Geography, or a related field.
- 13 years of professional experience in land use planning, entitlement, permitting, or related development activities (internship or consulting experience acceptable).
- Familiarity with infrastructure or energy projects (EV charging, renewable energy, utilities, or large-scale commercial development) strongly preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong understanding of zoning codes, municipal planning processes, and environmental regulations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to public agencies and stakeholders.
- Proficiency with GIS, mapping tools, and Microsoft Office Suite; CAD or similar software a plus.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Physical & Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel to project sites, public hearings, and agency meetings (up to 25%).
- Ability to review site conditions in outdoor environments.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
- Professional development and training opportunities in a rapidly growing sector.
SAI is an equal opportunity employer.