Community Planner IV

Community Planner IV is responsible for the oversight of projects essential to implementing the County’s comprehensive plan. This planner will prepare, implement, and manage the community planning program to ensure that county and local issues and projects are supported by accurate planning data and analysis.

• Seek out and develop municipal partnerships and clients to advance local community planning projects with professional assistance from Community Planning
• Develop planning projects including content, schedules, and assignments.
• As lead project planner, coordinate and manage project team assignments to ensure accurate and timely completion of projects.
• Collaborate with planning partners to address planning issues facing the county.
• Recommend policy and implementation strategies affecting land use, community facilities, housing, transportation, and resource protection. 
• Analyze data and apply findings to interpret planning issues and develop appropriate planning policies and strategies.
• Train and supervise staff planners, reviewing their work for correctness and completeness.
• Attend and participate in professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues.
• Serve on in-house project teams, as needed. 
• Research and write articles and tools for the Planning Department newsletters, social media, and website.
• Present at Planning Commission board meetings and other public meetings to inform people of activities, issues, and trends within the County.
• Plan, coordinate, and direct training and staff development programs for direct reports
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.
• Participate and manage research and writing of municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies.
• Attend multiple evening meetings on a monthly basis.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• A minimum of six to seven years of job-related experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member or project leader within the department.
• Experience in the application and/or drafting of zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances. 
• Demonstrated ability and experience in collaborating with external planning partners.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision. 
• Strong project management skills and experience.
• Excellent writing and document preparation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Projection of a positive professional image.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of data sources and application of statistical methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with local governments.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and carry projects to completion.
• Understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) and local government structure in Pennsylvania.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• Eight or more years of job-related experience with a minimum of three years of planning experience in Pennsylvania.
• AICP Certification including APA and local chapter membership.
• Thorough understanding of professional planning ethics.
• Advanced understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247), the local government structure in Pennsylvania, and familiarity with proposed planning related legislation.
• Motivation and high level of interest in understanding and addressing planning projects and issues.
• Experience with preparing for, managing, and presenting at public meetings.
• Ability to resolve problems and handle potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers on team projects.
• Experience with private-sector land use planning and administration.
• Working knowledge of budgets, contracts, and grant administration.
• Experience in the applied use of GIS and Adobe Creative Suite as described under “Computer Skills.”

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic to Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate Internet research skills
• Working knowledge to intermediate skill level in the use of GIS and ArcView software

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear.   Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, reach above shoulders, climb stairs, and drive to and from various locations.  On rare occasions, the employee will need to bend at the waist or work bent at the waist, work with arms above shoulders, and carry or lift items.
Visual Requirements:

• Close vision (while working on computers and for map presentation)

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Will work inside at a desk 75% of the time.
• Will travel to agencies for meetings 5% of the time.
• Work will entail telephone and computer usage 50 to 70% of the time.
• Work will include field work and surveys 5% of the time.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• This position requires professionalism.

Salary : $66,393