Summary

The Senior Land Use Planner 1 delivers planning, landscape architecture, and land development projects by applying an advanced understanding of land use regulations and site plan development knowledge to large, complex projects. Duties include conducting research and site analysis, reviewing municipal land use regulations, analyzing data, preparing land use applications and public notices, and preparing technical reports and presentation materials with no oversight. The person in this position is expected to mentor others, exercise a strong work ethic, an appetite to learn new concepts, and have excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills. This person should demonstrate an advanced understanding of land use concepts and be able to quickly apply them to complex project scenarios. They are expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Advanced
• Market Sector Software (Microsoft Project) - Advanced

Technical Expertise

• Mastery of technical fundamentals
• Provides technical solutions to the most complex challenges and guides others towards the same
• Works with market sector leaders to advance technical skills within the team

Teamwork

Technical leader/mentor on large and complex projects with excellent communication skills. Answers questions from those with less experience and takes action based on the needs of the team. Orchestrates complex and multi-disciplinary teams to execute planning projects.

Project Delivery

Leads the production of, and provides quality control for the following:

• Technical reports and memos
• Regulatory compliance findings
• Preliminary project schedules
• Public presentation materials
• Work scope and fee proposals

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Demonstrates ability to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Ability to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Develops budgets and schedules for complex projects and breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Demonstrates ability to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver projects on time and on budget. Mentors others.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Interprets and advises on the following codes and plan documents. Actively mentors others on interpreting codes and plan documents. Understands when deviation from codes is appropriate and processes to achieve deviations. Actively mentors others in code deviations or amendments to codes and plans. Understands limitations and design parameters afforded under applicable codes:

• State land use statutes
• State land use administrative code
• Local comprehensive plans
• Local development/regulatory code
• Clean Water Act (wetland) permit programs
• Federal permitting programs (NEPA, ESA, Section 106 of the NHPA, etc.)

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients on large and complex projects. Leads technical client project meetings. Understands appropriate messaging and legal risks. Engages as industry expert on complex projects and pursuits. Leads technical aspects of project interviews. Mentors others.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Efficiently performs the most technically complex and demanding technical work without supervision. Reviews the work of others and mentors others on complex project tasks. May also perform project management duties as needed including preparing scope of work and fee proposals for projects.

Supervisory Duties

May be a supervisor:

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
• Recruits and hires new employees
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicates them to employees
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Masters Degree in Urban Planning or related field (e.g., Geography, Landscape Architecture, Architecture) preferred
• Years of experience required: 15 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 14 years

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Geographical locations are taken into consideration with respect to compensation.