Research Coordinator, Land Development - Minneapolis, MN

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Research Coordinator for the Land Division to join our team in our Minneapolis, MN office. The Research Coordinator will play a critical
role in supporting the Land Division by conducting site investigations, preparing feasibility reports, and performing zoning and planning due diligence. This position will involve collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance with permitting and platting requirements, while providing data-driven insights to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Assist Market Leaders (MLs) and Project Managers (PMs) with various reporting tasks.
• Conduct comprehensive site investigations to assess land suitability for development projects.
• Prepare detailed feasibility reports that evaluate potential development sites, including analysis of zoning regulations, land use compatibility, and infrastructure availability.
• Perform zoning and planning due diligence to identify potential constraints and opportunities for development projects.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of permit applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to gather data and documentation for permitting and platting processes.
• Maintain a database of research findings, zonings regulations, and permitting requirements for easy reference.
• This position may require occasional travel to project sites.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels.
• Handle confidential and non-routine information.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Capacity to independently manage multiple projects/assignments, determine and set job priorities, and work with limited/direct supervision. 

• Experience in conducting site investigations, feasibility studies, and zoning/planning due diligence, preferably in the land development or real estate industry.

• Proficiency in GIS software or other research tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, or other related field.

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make. 

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work. 

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2023, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #12 and #30, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood two national 2nd place awards for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #79 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2023. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.