Long-Range Planner II (Full-Time )

Please see our website: https://www.msd.utah.gov/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Economic Development Manager, the Long-Range Planner II (LRP II) performs professional planning work of moderate difficulty and increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field. The LRP II is expected to possess in-depth knowledge within one or more planning specialties such as economic development, comprehensive planning, or environmental planning. The LRP II will work with internal and external stakeholders in and take the lead in developing general plans, master plans, grant applications, technical reports, transportation plans and various studies. The LRP II coordinates with and serves as the liaison to Planning Commissions and Councils.

The MSD is committed to fostering professional growth and career development for its planners. We actively seek to provide opportunities for skill enhancement and career progression within the Long-Range Planning division. Employees in this role are encouraged to pursue professional development, and the MSD offers clear pathways for advancement as planners gain experience and expertise.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in: Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a closely related field with 3 to 4 years of relevant planning experience; OR
• Master’s Degree in: Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field with 3 to 4 years of relevant planning experience.

o A Master’s Degree in a relevant planning field will be given preference, but is not required.

o AICP Candidate or working toward AICP certification is preferred, but not required.

o Demonstrated experience or interest in transportation planning and grant writing/management is preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external agencies.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid and unencumbered Utah driver license.
• AICP Candidate or working toward AICP certification is preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the employee in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Project Management and Coordination: Provides day-to-day project management, coordinates program objectives, and prepares and submits complex reports. Recommends priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvement plans and long-range community goals.
• Code and Ordinance Application: Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations. Assists in writing and updating ordinances and regulations related to development controls and ensures compliance through corrective actions when necessary.
• Plan Maintenance and Updates: Responsible for the updates and maintenance of General Plans, land use ordinances, and Comprehensive Plans. Assists in the development and review of land development regulations.
• Research and Analysis: Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas. Performs data analysis and evaluates program quality and effectiveness. Monitors data collection and outcome measurements to support decision-making.
• Report Writing and Presentation: Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence to assist decision-makers. Prepares and maintains routine and special reports for various stakeholders.
• Community Problem Identification and Planning: Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities that could be addressed through better community planning. Develops strategies for economic and community development, efficient land use, and the promotion of community goals.
• Development Application Review: Conducts reviews of development applications, including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezonings. Evaluates the adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Mobilization: Works with community leaders and partners to mobilize community support. Develops and maintains strategic professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve planning objectives.
• Grant Writing and Funding: Writes grants to secure new funding sources and aid in the implementation of plans and community projects.
• Public and Stakeholder Meetings: Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings to engage with stakeholders and provide information on community and development projects.
• Long-Range Planning: Develops long-range plans for communities with common developmental issues, ensuring alignment with community goals and objectives.
• Compliance and Corrective Actions: Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations as part of ongoing compliance efforts.
• Evening and Weekend Meetings: Attend and participate in a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings to engage with the community and stakeholders on planning initiatives.
• Other Duties: Performs other duties as needed or assigned to support the goals of the planning department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and database management
• GIS programs and applications

SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO:

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities

(HIGHLY DESIRABLE)

• Create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans or conceptual visuals via sketches and/or computer graphics.
• Analyze and edit current and compose new land use codes.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations such as economic development, transportation planning, landscape architecture, housing policy, or environmental planning.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires work in a wide variation of conditions, from a typical office setting to field work.
• Must be able to attend evening meetings and some weekend events.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, move, talk, and hear.
• Required to use hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms or hold items with hands and fingers.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include abstract, far and close vision, and the ability to adjust focus quickly.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63,501.00 - $91,995.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• 457(b)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Salt Lake City, UT 84190 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salt Lake City, UT 84190: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salt Lake City, UT 84190

Salary : $63,501 - $91,995