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Planner I - Parks Planning

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

The  Planner I supports the Parks Planning team through data collection, GIS mapping, and assistance with report and presentation preparation. This role provides foundational, hands-on experience in parks and recreation planning. Working under close supervision, Planner I will learn project workflows, technical tools, and contribute to community outreach and fieldwork, helping the team deliver high-quality, equitable park and recreation projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collect, organize, and maintain demographic, environmental, and land use data to support planning analysis.
  • Create maps, exhibits, and visual graphics using GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp under direction from senior staff.
  • Support preparation of draft reports, meeting summaries, and presentation materials for internal and external use.
  • Conduct basic fieldwork, such as site visits, photographing existing conditions, and recording field notes.
  • Help prepare materials for public meetings, open houses, and community workshops.
  • Take meeting notes and compile feedback from stakeholders and public input sessions.
  • Support administrative project tasks, such as scheduling meetings, organizing files, and maintaining version control of deliverables.
  • Assist in quality checks for accuracy and completeness of maps and documents.
  • Participate in internal team meetings and contribute ideas to improve workflows and project outcomes.
  • Take part in training, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities to grow technical and planning knowledge.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills + Experience

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community /Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Parks and Recreation, Tourism Management or other related field.
  • 0 – 1 year of relevant professional experience; internship, co-op, or academic project experience preferred.
  • Basic working knowledge of GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)Familiarity with basic planning concepts, data research, and land use trends is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to producing quality work.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to follow directions and ask questions to clarify tasks.
  • Collaborative attitude and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and grow in the parks and recreation planning field.

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Work will primarily be in an office setting and project-specific off site work including community engagement events, staff meetings, council presentations, etc. that will need travel.
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or hrteam@mcadamsco.com. 

Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.

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