Associate/GIS Coordinator

About Us: Clarion Associates is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in zoning, community planning, sustainability and resilience, and housing and community equity. We have offices in Denver, CO and Chapel Hill, NC and affiliated offices in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. We have assisted over 200 U.S. cities and counties to plan for their futures. Clarion is highly regarded as a firm that forms strong partnerships with each of our client communities. We tackle complex projects and find creative solutions that lead to adoption and implementation of our work. We are known for building public support for ambitious local planning and zoning efforts. We offer a collaborative work environment and opportunities for learning and advancement. Learn more at www.clarionassociates.com.

About the Position: We are actively seeking a full-time Associate/GIS Coordinator to support both our Chapel Hill and Denver offices. Successful candidates should have experience and interest in the following practice area:

GIS Mapping and Analysis. This practice area involves:

• GIS Database and File Management. Working with client communities to receive, collect, transmit, organize, and inventory geospatial and related data using ESRI geodatabases.
• Cartography. Preparing professional graphic representations of geospatial data, including maps, charts, and other graphic information displays to support the firm's planning and zoning projects.
• Land Use and Zoning Analysis. Preparing complex geospatial analyses for planning and zoning projects, including analyses of community build-out, existing land use, future land use, zoning, natural assets, and preparation of land use scenarios, among others.
• Drafting Technical Reports. Documenting GIS methodologies, analyses, and findings, offered to a wide variety of audiences (community residents, local government staff, community stakeholders, and elected officials).
• Development and Management of GIS-based Public Engagement Platforms. Building and managing mapping and data applications to support public engagement initiatives, including ESRI products such as StoryMaps, Dashboards, and Survey123.
• Staying Current in Latest Cartographic and GIS-related Technologies. Researching new technologies and making recommendations regarding software acquisition and implementation, and training in the fields of GIS and cartography.

In addition, successful candidates should have experience and interest in one of the following practice areas:

Development Codes. This practice area involves drafting user-friendly zoning and land use regulations to implement local plans, as well as research and analysis of trends and best practices; preparation of community outreach materials and participation in public meetings; and preparation and proofreading of highly technical documents.

Comprehensive Planning. This practice area involves research and analysis of trends and best practices; preparation of community outreach materials and participation in public meetings; and preparation of complex and graphic-rich plan documents.

We strive to cross-train our team members and will work with the successful candidate to tailor a position to fit their areas of expertise and interests.

Strong candidates for the position:

• Have a master's degree in geography, urban planning, or a related field with a minimum of three years of professional work experience, or a bachelor's degree with a minimum of four years of professional work experience; mid-career professionals are highly encouraged to apply
• Are highly proficient in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Word, and Excel. (Sketch-Up, InDesign, Illustrator, and QGIS experience are pluses but not required)
• Are willing to work hard to help foster positive change in America's cities, counties, and regions
• Are comfortable working as part of a team
• Are detail-oriented
• Have a keen eye for design
• Have excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Are able to work on (and balance) a wide range of assignments and concurrent projects
• Are enthusiastic about planning and land-use consulting – because the work we do matters, and it changes the future

Beneficial "nice to have," but non-essential skills and characteristics include:

• ESRI training certificates and certifications
• AICP credential
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines for graphical presentation of work products
• Spanish fluency
• Graphic design
• Project management experience
• Prior experience working in consulting and/or a general interest in learning the business end of consulting
• Experience with regulatory drafting
• Experience creating graphics to convey complex regulatory concepts

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is based on your experience and performance. The starting salary range for the Associate/GIS Mapping Coordinator is generally $70,000-$90,000; a position at the higher end of the range will require a greater level of experience.

Clarion Associates offers competitive benefits to all full-time employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision), a 401K plan with a 3% annual employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, ten vacation days and eight personal days to start (up to 20 vacation days based on tenure), nine paid holidays, coverage of AICP and other professional dues, and a variety of professional development opportunities. This position will be based in our Chapel Hill office. A combination of in-person and remote work is offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clarion Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter that briefly describes your experience with the GIS Mapping and Analysis tasks described in this posting, along with a technical writing sample of no more than five pages to hiring@clarionassociates.com by March 28, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be scheduled prior to the scheduled application deadline.