Strong communities don’t just happen—they’re built. They’re creatively imagined, collaboratively planned, and readied to face tomorrow with optimism. Here at Stantec, we’re driving the future of Community Development. Our experts lead their fields, collaborating on projects that are as technically challenging as they are impactful, creative, and fulfilling. We’re a place where you can apply your passion—and find endless opportunities to help make communities more equitable, resilient, and livable.  

The Stantec community unites more than 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations. Our work—professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and development economics—begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Your Opportunity

You would be the next team member in Stantec’s national Development Economics team.  We analyze the context for development and revitalization in local communities and provide strategies and implementation steps to surmount challenges and advance local goals.

We are active in developing industry leading methodologies for understanding housing and economic dynamics in local communities.  We put research to work in support of urban planning projects, and housing and economic development strategies.

We are seeking a colleague with a background that cuts across urban planning, community development, economics, and/or real estate—and who has analytical skills and project management experience.  You would be primarily supporting the projects and tasks that are led by Stantec’s Minneapolis-based Development Economics team.  We are situated within Stantec’s urban planning team, and also work closely with our transportation planning and other teams. Because of that, there will be abundant opportunities to broaden your experience and mix of projects.

Your Key Responsibilities Be curious and engaged in understanding a variety of local planning and development contexts and shaping recommendations for achieving community goals. Utilize data analysis software and methodologies—ideally including python-based workflows—to gather and analyze data from structured and unstructured sources. Generate visually appealing exhibits that tell a convincing story. Utilize spatial analysis methodologies, such as open-source, python-based tools or ArcGIS, to organize, transform and visualize spatial data. Utilize and develop statistical models to explain and predict real estate markets or related geographic phenomena. Leverage strong written, visualization, and verbal communication skills to summarize complex data, and to convey information to technical and non-technical audiences Utilize and build your knowledge of local planning practices, policies and regulations, and how they intersect with the built environment. Anticipated tasks include: Drafting and supporting development market research for plans of all scales (e.g. neighborhood, city, region, etc) and site-based development studies. Drafting presentation and narrative content for housing studies, economic development strategies, and the development aspects of planning projects. Conducting interviews of developers and real estate professionals to deepen insights relative to geographic areas of focus. Conducting demographic, economic, and market data analysis utilizing coding and spreadsheet methodologies. Preparing map exhibits that illustrate patterns of land use and development, and features that illuminate their market context and potential opportunities. Conducting strategy and best practices research on housing, retail and financial strategies in support of housing and development studies. Coordinating with multiple parties including internal teams, consultant partners, and clients. Your Capabilities and Credentials Be interested in learning all facets of planning and development, and in bringing projects from concept to deliverable. Demonstrated proficiency in using statistical software, including either R or Python, for advanced data gathering, processing, analysis, and visualization. Understanding of urban economics, real estate development and urban planning. Orientation toward collaboration and team building. Strong writing, verbal communication and organizational skills. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for preparing analysis and delivering high-quality, visually appealing reports Ability to work independently and apply strong critical thinking skills. Knowledge and experience with market and development research platforms. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, Real Estate Economics, or related field is required.  5 to 8 years of related professional experience is required. Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Economics or Real Estate Development is preferred. Experience with ArcGIS Pro is preferred. Experience with statistical models—such as econometric, time-series model forecasting, auto-regression, and machine learning models—to explain and predict real estate markets or geographic phenomena is preferred.

If hired, you would be joining a technical power center within Stantec.  We also work hard to create an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. 

This position description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

Additional Information