Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Community Planner

SALARY RANGE: $56,000-$65,000 (position level & salary commensurate with education & experience)
LOCATION: Livable Communities
CLOSING DATE: July 31, 2026
AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: All sources

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Greater Philadelphia, DVRPC builds consensus for a shared regional vision; enables data-based, community-centered solutions; and helps put plans into action. We believe DVRPC provides a stimulating environment that values innovation and collaboration, where conscientious professionals can contribute to the betterment of society. If your background and experience overlap the needs of the following vacancy, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

This entry-level professional position within the Livable Communities Section supports a diverse portfolio of planning initiatives that advance healthy communities, thriving ecosystems, and an innovative, connected economy. The Community Planner will contribute to projects that promote the integration of land use and transportation systems to enhance livability. This includes work on community revitalization, economic development, housing, land use and zoning, demographics, public health, and environmental planning, with particular attention to how the built environment, infrastructure, and mobility shape community outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to engage in a variety of topics, communities, and planning approaches. The position involves supporting multiple projects simultaneously through research, analysis, plan development, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Work follows set objectives, agency policies, and professional standards, with guidance, mentorship, and review from senior staff, and direct supervision from the Manager, Healthy and Resilient Communities. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, enjoys learning about a wide range of community planning issues, takes initiative, and is excited to contribute to projects that improve communities across Greater Philadelphia.

This position is based in DVRPC’s Philadelphia office and offers a flexible hybrid work environment with the opportunity to work up to two to three days remotely.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct applied research, data analysis, and report drafting to support planning studies and initiatives under the guidance of senior staff (e.g., analyzing zoning codes and maps).
  • Synthesize quantitative and qualitative information into clear, well-organized written products.
  • Contribute to a range of livable communities projects, including work related to housing, economic development, infrastructure planning, and community health and resilience.
  • Support project tasks or components under the direction of senior staff while supporting multiple project managers and timelines.
  • Take initiative in identifying research needs, asking thoughtful questions, and proposing approaches to advance project work.
  • Critically evaluate data, plans, and policies to identify key issues, gaps, and opportunities.
  • Collaborate on cross-departmental initiatives among different Livable Communities Program Areas. (e.g. Smart Growth, Economic Development, Environment, Resilience, Infrastructure and Utilities).
  • Support coordination with partners, including PADEP, U.S. EDA, state departments of transportation (DOTs), and local and county governments.
  • Prepare presentations and help communicate findings to internal teams and external stakeholders, with staff support.
  • Assist with organizing stakeholder engagement initiatives, such as the Municipal Exchange, and support the administration of environmental programs.
  • Actively pursue opportunities to expand expertise across planning topics and technical areas.

Qualifications

  • Foundational knowledge of urban and regional planning principles.
  • Strong ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Demonstrated initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to take ownership of assignments while working collaboratively with colleagues.
  • Ability to learn quickly, adapt to new planning topics, and think critically about complex planning challenges.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, municipalities, partner agencies, and other stakeholders. 
  • Ability to work under the direction of multiple project managers and contribute to a diverse range of Livable Communities projects.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
  • Interest in professional development through training, conferences, or skill-building opportunities.
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) preferred.

Experience and Training

To be classified as an RA I, a minimum of one year of professional experience in regional or community planning is required.  Such experience may have been gained from a combination of experience and training.  Training may have been gained through graduation from a four-year college/university, with major coursework in a planning-related coursework in a planning-related discipline applicable to community planning.  A Master’s degree can be substituted for one year of experience.                 

Apply

All applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on July 31, 2026.  Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please click here to apply for this job opportunity.

DVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full consideration will be given to all eligible, qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, domestic or sexual violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy), national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation; or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Minority, female, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.