Careers

Company Overview:

Join our dynamic team at KARC Planning Consultants, a leading consulting firm specializing in land use development, urban planning, and sustainable design. We pride ourselves on innovation, teamwork, and delivering exceptional results to our clients. As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking a talented and motivated Land Use Planner/Project Manager to join us in driving the success of our projects.

Our Land Development team manages projects through multiple phases of development, including existing conditions assessments, programming, feasibility studies, schematic design, and regulatory submissions.  This position manages project approval processes and provides technical expertise relative to zoning regulations, public policy, State Environmental Quality Review and other relevant general land use review procedures. The project portfolio could include projects from anywhere in the Hudson Valley, including project types such as commercial, industrial, and residential new construction and renovation. The Land Development team also works on a small number of municipal projects including TOD planning, corridor studies, and drafting of new zoning regulations.

Position: Land Use Planner/Project Manager

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities:

• Manage projects through multiple phases of development ranging from existing conditions assessments, Zoning Analysis/Code Review, Project Programming, Feasibility studies, Schematic design, and Regulatory submissions.
• Manage project team including Architects, Landscape Architects, Civil/Structural/Environmental Engineers, Environmental Consultants, Wetland Specialists in developing Land Use Plans for development permits.
• Manage complex projects involving multiple public and private parties leading and influencing project teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Uphold standards of quality, quantity, and timeliness for all deliverables.
• Prepare and manage planning, zoning, environmental and economic reports, studies, and plans.
• Conduct and manage development application and SEQRA reviews (site and subdivision plans, special use permits/area variance applications), prepare planning reports/memos and attend evening municipal board meetings.
• Prepare more complex SEQRA documents, including expanded Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements or public and private clients.
• Provide oversight and mentorship to junior level staff.
• Prepare and present projects to municipal review agencies including Planning Boards and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License Must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for evening meetings to distant NY locations.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in the principles, practices & techniques of land use planning, and a working knowledge of New York State land use and environmental regulations (SEQRA). Proficiency in related fields including urban design, ecology, hydrology, geology, geography, or similar field, a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of zoning, planning issues, environmental regulations and environmental review procedures is required.
• Ability to prepare and review technical applications in zoning, environmental review and other land use regulations, and provide technical expertise related to those regulations to project teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex environmental issues and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize among competing needs and opportunities and anticipate and resolve problems as they arise.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to use applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification (e.g., AICP, CEP) or eligibility for certification.
• Experience with environmental planning in the context of urban development, infrastructure projects, or land use planning.

Position: Construction Observation Specialist

Location: Mid-Hudson Valley Region of NY

KARC Planning Consultants, Inc. is seeking Construction Observation Specialists with public or private, vertical and horizontal construction project experience. We are developing a strong team of construction professionals to provide services to the Mid-Hudson region of New York, and we encourage resume submissions for consideration.

Candidates should have three or more years of experience in engineering and/or on construction projects, and may call on their past experience through employment with contractors, trade unions, engineering firms, and private, municipal, county and state agencies.

Certifications are not required, but trade and inspection certifications are highly regarded. Specific industry related experience on major projects in civil, mechanical, electrical, structural engineering experience and utility and water/wastewater infrastructure installations is desirable.

Projects may range from part-time to full-time, and can have durations from three months to three years. Finding the right fit for your needs is always a priority.

The Construction Observation Specialist is responsible for observation and reporting functions on complex construction projects. The scope includes interpretation of contract plans and specifications, electronic recordkeeping, photo-documentation and reporting; field observations of third-party testing, reporting equipment and materials used, and communication with engineering teams for construction progress per schedule.

Salary is competitive, and based on level of experience.

Position: Wetlands Scientist

Location: Mid-Hudson Valley Region of NY

KARC Planning Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced and independent Wetlands Scientist who will develop accurate site assessments and approvals in adherence of Local, State and Federal regulations for civil engineering construction and land planning projects.

This position could be an opportunity for an independent specialist seeking part-time to full time employment on an as-needed project basis.

Position Summary:

The Wetlands Scientist will be responsible for conducting wetland and watercourse assessments, State and Federal protected species surveys, environmental reviews, and provide technical reports for Local, State, and Federal permits. Experience is required in wetland and natural resource investigations, permitting, monitoring, and environmental site assessments and planning to inform clients of permits required and potential environmental risks on their project site.

The Wetland Scientist will have experience conducting waters/wetland delineations in New York State, knowledge of the current USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and Northeast Regional Supplements. In addition, the Wetlands Scientist will provide Ecological Assessments that include floral, faunal, and threatened/endangered species surveys and consider New York State endangered and threatened plants. Vegetative cover type description and mapping, pre-development site review, and pond and habitat restoration and creation may be required for projects.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Conduct field assessments including jurisdictional wetland surveys and ecological assessments
• Prepare technical reports and permit applications in accordance with Federal and State regulatory requirements
• Provide SEQRA biological resource related documentation and technical studies
• Provide initial desktop Wetland Assessments and Site Characterization reports
• Review projects on behalf of private clients and municipalities
• Pursue and provide Agency verification and approvals

Professional Qualifications and Education:

• Proven work experience as a Wetland Scientist
• B.S. or M.S degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Ecology, Botany, Geology or related field
• Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)
• Rutgers University Wetland Training Certification a plus
• Demonstrated technical skills in identification and characterization of wetland vegetation, soils, and hydrology
• Demonstrated skills providing ecological assessments
• Familiarity with Local, State, and Federal permitting agencies
• Knowledge of the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and regional supplements
• Ability to read and interpret engineer drawings and technical documents
• Ability to travel to project sites and work in extreme terrain and temperatures
• Ability to work independently
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, ArcGIS
• Experience with GPS, data loggers and other field mapping/survey devices and applications

Salary is competitive, and based on level of experience.

Job Description:

KARC Planning Consultants, Inc is seeking an experienced Land Development Project Manager with a strong background in commercial and residential construction, land planning, and civil engineering. This role requires expertise in zoning regulations, wetlands permitting, and municipal approvals, ensuring successful project execution while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, business development acumen, and the ability to foster client relationships while driving projects forward efficiently.

Hours: Full Time

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, business planning, and strategic direction to drive growth and innovation.
• Establish goals and growth strategies to expand project opportunities and market presence.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with architects, developers, planners, and landowners.
• Communicate openly and effectively with partners, stakeholders, and team members.

Project Management Responsibilities:

• Oversee land development projects from conception through completion, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timeline.
• Manage commercial and residential construction projects, coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Navigate zoning laws, permitting processes, and environmental regulations, including wetland approvals.
• Secure municipal and regulatory approvals, working closely with local agencies.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and risk assessments.
• Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Conduct site evaluations and feasibility studies to support planning and development.
• Represent projects at Municipal, Board, and Team meetings, presenting proposals and progress updates.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant experience managing land development projects.
• Strong client relationships with local architects, developers, land use attorneys, planners, and landowners.
• Experience managing projects in both Commercial and Residential sectors.
• Business development and marketing experience, including proposal writing, scope definition, and budgeting.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage positively at all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and lead staff effectively.

This position is ideal for a results-driven professional with a passion for land development, strategic planning, and project execution. If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are eager to drive business growth and successful project outcomes, we encourage you to apply.