Logo
Ayres Associates

Senior Community Planner and Designer/Project Manager

Ayres Associates, Tampa, FL


Are you an initiative-taker with a passion for planning, design, and client engagement? Are you a skilled project manager who wants to take your career to the next level?

Come work for Ayres' growing planning and design team.

We're seeking an innovative senior community planner and urban designer to join our team and assist with a growing portfolio of exciting projects that are centered on innovative and resilient solutions. Put your passion for improving the environment, and communities to plan, design and implement resilient solutions for our growing and diverse client base. Success will be defined by your professional capabilities and ability to collaborate effectively. This position will manage projects and have the opportunity for growth within the organization. We offer a rewarding career with meaningful work, and a flexible, work-life balanced environment based in Tampa.

On any given day, you will:

  • Lead the team's planning and design efforts on a wide range of projects with a diverse client base.
  • Develop, studies, plans, designs, and project deliverables by applying advanced planning and design practice together with community engagement and partnerships with stakeholders, client staff, and elected officials.
  • Collaborate with our multidisciplinary staff across our firm including urban planners, economic development specialists, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and engineers.
  • Partner with the team for business development activities related to proposals, project interviews, budgets, and project timelines.
  • Participate in activities with professional organizations such as APA, Main Street, ULI, CNU, etc., through conferences and thought leadership on community planning and urban design.


Required qualifications:

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, urban design, or a degree in a closely related field.
  • Advanced knowledge of community planning, urban design, regulatory planning, site planning, plan reviews, brownfield redevelopment, transportation planning, parks and recreation planning, historic preservation, affordable housing, grants and funding, and community engagement.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in managing community planning projects and preparing project deliverables and presentations for public and private entities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, Adobe CS, Public Engagement Platforms, and internet applications.
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record.


Desired skills and experiences:

  • Collaborative attitude and even temperament.
  • Ability to work effectively in both an independent as well as a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Excellent communication and people skills including the ability to communicate graphically and verbally with the public, clients, and peers.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or equivalent.


Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

  • Health/dental/vision insurance offering affordable plans with flexible coverage options
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Development
    • Paid membership dues to professional organizations
    • Paid licensing exam/prep course for professional certification
    • Encourage/reimburse for professional registrations and certifications.
  • Work/Life Balance
    • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Paid holidays [including two floating holidays]
    • Flexible work schedules
  • Financial
    • Flexible spending plans and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Social
    • Peer recognition program and mentor programs
    • Young Professionals [YP] networking groups
    • Sporting events, dragon boat races, annual parties, summer picnics, and more!


Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Women, Veterans, People with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)