Urban Planner (PH based, Mid Shift, Remote)

The Urban Planner (Ecologist) will support the property acquisition team by providing expert planning and environmental advice to identify viable development sites, assess planning and ecological risks, and support the planning application process for property acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of planning regulations, zoning laws, environmental impact considerations, and development policies, enabling them to evaluate potential sites and navigate the planning process effectively. This role requires close collaboration with the acquisition team, design architects, environmental consultants, and local planning authorities to ensure all acquisitions align with regulatory standards, sustainability principles, and development objectives.

A. Key Responsibilities:

Planning and Site Identification:

• Planning & Environmental Research: Conduct in-depth research on planning policies, zoning regulations, environmental regulations, and local development frameworks to identify potential acquisition opportunities that align with company objectives.
• Site Feasibility Assessments: Evaluate potential development sites for planning and environmental viability, considering factors such as land use, ecological sensitivity, infrastructure, biodiversity impacts, and existing planning permissions.
• Planning & Ecological Risk Assessment: Provide analysis of planning and environmental risks, identifying zoning, heritage, conservation, or environmental constraints (such as protected species, flood risks, and habitat conservation areas) that may affect development outcomes.

Planning Application Support:

• Support Design Architects & Environmental Consultants: Work alongside Design Architects and Environmental Specialists to provide planning and ecological input, ensuring that development proposals comply with local planning policies, sustainability frameworks, and environmental regulations.
• Planning & Environmental Documentation: Assist in preparing and submitting planning applications, including Planning Statements, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Design and Access Statements (DAS), and sustainability reports.
• Environmental Compliance & Mitigation Strategies: Assess planning proposals to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, advising on necessary mitigation measures, biodiversity enhancements, and sustainable design principles to minimize ecological impact.
• Sustainable Development Considerations: Promote environmentally sustainable planning practices, such as green infrastructure integration, low-carbon development strategies, and climate resilience measures in urban planning projects.

Collaboration with Acquisition Team:

• Strategic Advice on Acquisitions: Provide planning and environmental insights during property acquisition, ensuring that potential sites align with strategic development goals, local planning frameworks, and sustainability targets.
• Due Diligence & Ecological Assessments: Work closely with acquisition teams and environmental consultants to assess site viability, including land-use restrictions, planning history, ecological considerations, and required environmental conditions for development approval.
• Coordination with Environmental Specialists: Collaborate with ecologists, sustainability consultants, flood risk assessors, and surveyors to gather essential environmental information and impact assessments for planning applications and due diligence.

B. Key Competencies:

• Planning & Environmental Expertise: Strong knowledge of planning and environmental policies, with the ability to assess ecological risks and develop sustainability-focused planning solutions.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with acquisition teams, local authorities, environmental specialists, and external consultants.
• Problem Solving & Sustainability Integration: Ability to assess planning and environmental risks and develop mitigation strategies to overcome potential barriers to site acquisition and development.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present planning and environmental information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and thoroughness in preparing planning applications, ecological assessments, and sustainability reports.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple planning applications and environmental assessments simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and project timelines are met.

Requirements

• Education: Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Environmental Planning, Sustainable Urban Development, or Environmental Management) is an advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in town planning, environmental planning, or sustainable development, with a strong focus on property acquisition and regulatory compliance.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong understanding of local planning regulations, zoning laws, environmental legislation, and development policies.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessments (EIA), biodiversity regulations, and sustainability strategies in planning.
• Experience with ecological assessments, habitat regulations, and carbon reduction strategies in urban planning.
• Familiarity with green building certifications (e.g., BREEAM, LEED) and climate resilience policies.
• Software Proficiency:  Experience with GIS mapping tools, planning databases, CAD software, and environmental impact assessment tools is a plus.

Benefits

a. SSS, PHILHEATH & PAGIBIG

b. Paid Leaves up to 25 days annually

c. Work Equipment Subsidy

d. HMO Day 1

e. Rewards and Perks

f. Performance Bonus