POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Senior Planner
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2524
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Center for Resource Planning and Management
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Planner manages community and regional planning programs and long-range planning for rural/small town communities by providing technical and advisory assistance regarding a variety of disciplines including disaster recovery planning, hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and land use planning, land development and zoning regulations, site plan review, transportation planning, community development, and/or economic development. The Senior Planner oversees plan preparation and related research for assigned projects and coordinates planning activities with elected officials, citizen advisory committees, and the general public. The Senior Planner must analyze census and other statistical data and prepare reports for local governments and community organizations. The Senior Planner may help formulate grant applications and administer awarded grants. The Senior Planner drafts program budgets and project proposals and may oversee the distribution and monitoring of grant funds to local jurisdictions. The Senior Planner supervises Planning student interns and assists the Director in assigning tasks among other professional planning staff.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in City or Regional Planning or a related field is required.
Experience: At least four years of professional planning experience or five years of experience working in a unit of local government is required. Supervisory experience is highly preferred. Experience in disaster recovery planning, hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and land use planning, land development and zoning regulations, site plan review, transportation planning, community development, economic development, rural/small town planning, regional planning , and/or a related field is preferred, however, experience in local or state government, will be considered. Experience with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and/or Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded projects or programs is preferred.
Skill: A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. A research background is required. Computer skills, including word processing, database management, document design, and presentation software is required. Knowledge of other planning-related software such as AutoCAD, EMSI, ArcGIS/ArcMAP, ESRI products, etc. is preferred. The ability to compile and analyze technical and statistical data is required. The ability to work with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in non-routine situations is required. The ability to work effectively with the public and elected officials is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required or must be obtained within the first two years of employment.
Other: Occasional day travel (150-mile radius) is required and may include occasional overnight stays. The position requires attending occasional evening meetings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides technical and advisory assistance to local governments and other public entities specializing in disaster recovery planning, hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and land use planning, land development and zoning regulations, site plan review, transportation planning, community development, economic development, rural/small town planning, and/or regional planning and participates in and directs the preparation of plans, programs, budgets, technical reports, and land development regulations.
2. Develops and makes recommendations to local/regional government entities by directing planning activities with citizen advisory committees, elected or appointed officials, the general public, and professional planning staff.
3. Facilitates the development of potential sources of contracts for the Center for Resource Planning and Management and it’s clients by preparing and presenting project proposals to local, state, and federal governments, and other public entities.
4. Represents the Center for Resource Planning and Management and its clients to other government jurisdictions on relevant matters by attending meetings, workshops, seminars, and other similar activities as may be assigned.
5. Compiles and analyzes census data and other statistical data and prepares projections and reports on data analysis.
6. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
7. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director, Center for Resource Planning and Management.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the Center for Resource Planning and Management and it’s clients by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Senior Planner is supervised by the Director, Resource Planning and Management, works closely with other Planner positions, and assists with the supervision of student planning interns.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JULY 2021
