Housing & Economic Development Planner IV

The Planning Commission seeks a Housing & Economic Development Planner to assist in advancing housing choices and economic development throughout Chester County. This senior level position provides professional planning assistance to local municipalities, housing groups, chambers of commerce, and related entities within the region. Community planning skills are also an important component of this position, including the ability to work directly with municipalities on the preparation of comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory tools.   This position supports the implementation of the County’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, including initiatives to expand housing choices and advance economic development. The chosen candidate will play an essential role in the creation and administration of a county supported land bank to advance affordable housing in the county.

• 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.
• Provide technical assistance to client municipalities, planning partners, and the public.
• 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 Commission 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.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Economic/Housing/Planner 

• Research and analyze revitalization, redevelopment, and housing needs in the county.
• Develop and guide implementation of housing, economic development, and revitalization plans and studies. 
• Review and analyze regulatory controls and how they impact housing, economic development, and revitalization efforts. 
• Coordinate with internal and external economic development and housing partners.
• Provide guidance on map development, grant writing, data, and information sharing.
• Develop content and programs for economic, housing, planning sessions and forums. 

Community Planner

• Research and write municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies.
• Monitor Vision Partnership Program contracts to ensure municipalities are meeting grant program requirements and are consistent with the County’s policies.
• Attend multiple evening meetings on a monthly basis.
• Assist with the development and management of contracts.

• 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.
• 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 in the application and/or drafting of zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances. (Required for Community Planner and Review Planner)
• Experience with private-sector land use planning and administration.
• Working knowledge of budgets, contracts, and grant administration.
• General knowledge and understanding of Chester County policies and procedures.
• Experience in the applied use of GIS and Adobe Creative Suite as described under “Computer Skills.”

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Intermediate to advanced Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate to advanced Internet research skills 
• Working knowledge to intermediate skill level in the use of GIS and ArcView software (Advanced skills required for GIS planner)
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge); Applied experience using Adobe Creative Suite or GIS for project development and analysis is a plus.

 
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.
 
The special vision requirements for this position are:

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

 
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 a high degree professionalism.