Job Information
Job Category
Land Use, Urban Design
Company Name
Cascadia Partners
Position Level
Supervisory
Job Description
The Position: Cascadia Partners seeks a Senior Associate with deep technical skills in spatial and quantitative analysis. The ideal candidate brings expertise in GIS and data analysis, strong visual storytelling instincts, and the project leadership to manage budgets, direct junior staff, and drive deliverables across multiple concurrent projects. Working knowledge of land use planning, zoning, and urban planning frameworks is expected.
What You’ll Work On: This role sits at the intersection of rigorous data analysis and consequential planning decisions. You will frame analytical approaches, lead technical production, and translate findings into clear stories for clients, elected officials, and the public. Work ranges from a parcel-scale pro forma to a regional housing needs methodology — often on the same project team.
Our Work: Cascadia Partners is a multidisciplinary planning and urban design consultancy headquartered in Portland, OR. Our team of ~25 works on 40–50 projects annually — citywide comprehensive plans, neighborhood master plans, housing policy, zoning code reform, scenario planning, and real estate feasibility studies. We work across the country, at scales from a single corridor to an entire region, and we focus on plans that actually get built.
- Position Details: You will serve as project manager and task leader across data-driven spatial planning projects — neighborhood master plans, transit-oriented corridor studies, regional plans, and real estate feasibility studies. Responsibilities include defining project approaches, managing technical production, coordinating subconsultants, and maintaining budgets. You will also be expected to synthesize complex analyses into polished, client-ready presentations and public-facing documents.
Please review the full job description here.
Required Skills / Experience / Education
Required Qualifications 4+ years of professional experience in urban planning, data analysis, geography, public policy, or a related field. Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Data Science, Geography, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field. Project Management: Demonstrated success managing projects and people — budgets, client meetings, and on-time, on-scope delivery. Spatial Thinking & GIS: Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS); ability to apply spatial reasoning to complex planning problems. Research & Data Sourcing: Ability to frame rigorous research questions and identify appropriate data and methods to answer them. Quantitative Reasoning: Fluency with quantitative and statistical concepts; ability to accurately interpret data, identify its limitations, and apply it to evidence-based decision-making. Technical Aptitude: Capacity to quickly learn and implement new tools and methodologies in a fast-paced environment. Land Use Planning: Working knowledge of land use theory, zoning regulations, and planning frameworks. Data Storytelling: Skill in translating multi-source, multi-type data analysis into compelling, actionable narratives for non-technical audiences. Communication: Clear, concise presenter — comfortable in client briefings and public settings. Desirable Qualifications Programming: Proficiency in R or Python for tabular and spatial data manipulation and mapping. AI Integration: Experience using AI tools (e.g., Claude) to automate workflows, accelerate data processing, or improve analytical efficiency.US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
$85,000 - $100,000
Other Benefits
- Every other Friday off (36-hour average work week) - Gold-level health insurance, dental, life insurance, 401(k) with 3% employer match - Professional development stipend for training, conferences, and skill-building - Generous PTO: - 4 weeks PTO in year one (prorated to hire date); 1 additional week per year of tenure, up to 8 weeks - 11 paid holidays - Paid parental leave (dependent on state of residence)Application Deadline
07/26/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
10%
Primary Language Required
English
Industry
Urban Planning
Job Location
Location Address
1022 NW Marshall St #380
Portland, Oregon
97209
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Rebecca Moore
Phone Number
(503) 381-9354