About the Department
Summary
This position supports the County’s overall planning program through research, analysis, plan development, technical assistance, and administrative work. Responsibilities include preparing comprehensive and functional plans, drafting grant applications, conducting technical studies, and providing planning support to County committees and local governments.
Position Duties
Essential Duties
These duties represent the primary responsibilities of the position but are not an exhaustive list.
- Identify, gather, and evaluate planning data from federal, state, and private sources.
- Conduct research using accepted planning principles and methodologies.
- Design, implement, and analyze community surveys to support planning and policy development.
- Prepare technical studies related to population, land use, parks and recreation, solid waste, economic development, historic preservation, and other planning topics.
- Draft and finalize comprehensive and functional planning documents for committee and County Board approval.
- Prepare grant applications for federal, state, and private funding opportunities.
- Develop and participate in programs and policies that support implementation of County plans.
- Provide technical assistance to local communities in developing and implementing community plans.
- Assist local communities with grant preparation and administration, as well as supporting County committees as needed.
- Collaborate with the County Resource Agent to develop and implement public information, education, and technical assistance programs on planning and development issues.
- Provide data, policy interpretations, and general planning support to professionals, local officials, and the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Resource Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience in local government planning.
- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Competency Requirements
- Integrity and Honesty: Upholds ethical standards and maintains organizational trust.
- Accountability: Takes responsibility for outcomes and strives for high performance.
- Quality Customer Service and Community Relations: Anticipates stakeholder needs and engages effectively with employees, community members, and officials.
- Judgment and Decision-Making: Assesses situations accurately, gathers information, and makes sound, independent decisions.
- Analytical and Mathematical Ability: Evaluates information, identifies patterns, and applies statistical and mathematical concepts as needed.
- Written and Verbal Communication: Produces clear written reports and effectively communicates complex issues verbally.
- Stress Tolerance: Maintains effective performance under pressure, criticism, or resource constraints.
- Fact-Finding: Gathers necessary information through interviews, document review, and research.
Minimum Skills Requirements
This professional planning role requires strong knowledge of comprehensive planning principles and the relationships between functional plans. The position requires the ability to conduct research and analysis, prepare plans and studies, provide technical assistance, apply for and administer grants, and support County committees.
Certificates/Licenses
- Valid driver’s license.
Other Qualifications
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to perform tasks involving regular use of hands, standing, walking, sitting, and reaching. Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling may be required. The employee must frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception. Work may involve using measuring devices, operating vehicles, and observing surroundings.
Work Environment
The work environment is typically moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.