Land Use Planner

The Land Use Planner position requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. The Land Use Planner will lead or be significantly involved with larger, more complex planning assignments. This position requires a high level of independence and judgment, receiving general supervision from senior management. The Land Use Planner may supervise Planning or GIS Technicians, drafting and clerical staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments.
• Proactive and responsive communication with clients.
• Manages complex planning studies, development applications and reviews consultant proposals.
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings, annexations and site plans.
• Develops project budgets, administers bidding process, verifies contract expenditures and compliance.
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues.
• Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects including local municipalities.
• Develops transportation plans, studies and analyses on regional basis.
• Works in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, coastal zone management and others.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and elected officials.
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning & Zoning Boards, and Councils or Supervisors and serves as liaison to such committees.
• Attends substantial number of evening meetings.
• Supervises junior and technical staff within organization.

 Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning.
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as urban design, affordable housing, economic development or land use.
• Demonstrates extensive administrative and supervisory experience to develop a high functioning project team.
• Demonstrates the highest level of personal and professional integrity and quality standards.
• Knowledge and experience in construction processes.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
• Demonstrates effective technical and non-technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.

Typical Skills

• Strong and effective oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting complicated planning reports and projects to clients and officials.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, boards, business leaders, contractors/developers and the general public.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and internal groups effectively, to meet firm deadlines.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.

Minimum Qualifications

The Land Use Planner position requires a degree in planning or related field and a minimum of four years of professional planning experience.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred but not required.

Have a valid Driver’s License.

Join our team and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are welcomed, and where you can expand your knowledge and experience.