Community Planner
Location: Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, WA
Date Posted: June 12, 2026
WJA Design Collaborative believes our success depends on the strength of our team. We are currently seeking a Community Planner to work with the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron (92 CES) at Fairchild Air Force Base outside Spokane.
This is a task-order based position that is dependent on annual renewal of funding.
About the Role
As an employee of WJA Design Collaborative, you will be fully integrated with and co-located alongside the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron at Fairchild AFB. In this role, you will provide Planning support to the 92 Civil Engineering Squadron (CES)/Civil Engineering (CENP) Portfolio Optimization Chief (POC).
· Planning projects include development of base comprehensive plans and area development plans associated with base planning and development.
· Other responsibilities are design and construction related but are not connected with a specific construction project which include a range of projects such as engineering studies, feasibility studies, technical investigations, technical reports, mapping, technical surveys, and environmental impact studies and statements.
Position Summary
The Community Planner serves as a professional at Fairchild Air Force Base, responsible for managing activities related to the human and physical aspects of community, regional, urban, comprehensive, and land-use planning in support of the installation. The role is centered on the development and maintenance of the Installation Development Plan (IDP) and ensuring compatible land use to support the Air Force mission. The Community Planner collaborates closely with installation stakeholders, wing leadership, engineers, scientists, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to solve complex planning problems and guide installation development.
Key Responsibilities
1. Installation Development & Planning Leadership
· Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Installation Development Plan (IDP) and other comprehensive planning studies.
· Serves as the authority on installation planning, land use development, and investment planning decisions, utilizing Air Force policies, standards, and asset management principles.
· Develops strategies and courses of action to guide facility sustainment, repair, modernization, and construction through the Activity Management Plan (AMP) and Base Comprehensive Activity Management Plan (BCAMP) processes.
· Proposes innovative solutions and alternatives to optimize installation resources, infrastructure, facilities, and services for leadership consideration.
2. Compatible Use & Regional Coordination
· Ensures compatible use planning between on- and off-installation facility development and land use.
· Develops and sustains active working relationships with counterparts in local, regional, municipal, state, and federal agencies to protect the installation's long-term viability.
· Represents the organization in discussions, public meetings, and hearings concerning community planning problems that affect the installation.
· Develops strategies to address encroachment by employing internal and external policies and programs such as the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ).
3. Data Analysis & Technical Reviews
· Prepares planning studies and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data in support of installation planning and mission requirements.
· Collects and evaluates data on factors affecting the physical development and management of installation infrastructure, including socioeconomic conditions, demographic patterns, and community land use.
·Leverages data from various sources and software systems (e.g., GIS, CADD, SMS) to inform planning decisions and develop courses of action for infrastructure repair and maintenance.
4. Project & Program Management
· Plans, programs, budgets, and executes required projects in support of assigned programs.
· Uses cost-estimating tools to produce government estimates, program projects, and compete for funding in Air Force corporate processes.
· Assists in the development of contract Statements of Work (SOWs) and participates in the review of contractor proposals.
· Tracks project status and provides program and budget status reports to leadership as needed.
Required Qualifications
· A degree in community planning or a related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration, including at least 12 semester hours in relevant planning coursework.
· Professional knowledge of community planning concepts, principles, theories, regulations, and methods necessary to inform investment strategies for installation facilities and infrastructure.
· Knowledge and skill to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; draw conclusions; and devise solutions to complex planning problems.
· Skill in communicating clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to relate the effect of community planning decisions on the mission and goals of the installation.
· Ability to plan, budget, and execute required projects in support of program asset management activities.
· Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
· Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
· Extensive experience in a specific area of planning (e.g., Planning Law, Spatial Planning, Transportation Planning, Land Use Planning, Environmental Planning).
· Knowledge of automated tools and programs such as SMS Builder, Comprehensive Planning Platform (CPP), CADD, and GIS.
Core Competencies
· Strategic thinking and problem-solving
· Strong analytical and research skills
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to organize and manage complex projects
· Proactive and collaborative approach to planning
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary range: $85,000 DOE
· Medical, dental, and vision benefits
· Optional participation in 401(k) with employer match
Ready to join us?
Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Be sure your response identifies how both your experience and education align with the required qualifications.
Pay: $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Work Location: In person
