What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Planner - 941540 position at DPM?
Applicants must submit transcripts, degrees, certificates, and/or other required documentation with the employment application to receive full credit. The Navajo Nation provides preference to eligible and qualified applicants pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and Veterans' Preference.
- Department: Department of Health
- Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
- Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sensitive Position: No
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs advanced-level professional planning work of considerable difficulty involving the research, development, evaluation, and implementation of major planning initiatives for the Navajo Nation.
- Serves as expert advisor to executive management and tribal leadership in resolving highly complex and often controversial planning issues across multiple disciplines, including public health, transportation, housing, utilities, land use, and environmental management.
- Leads the preparation of comprehensive plans, master plans, policy frameworks, and strategic planning documents for tribal departments, chapter communities, and leadership bodies.
- Conducts quantitative and qualitative data analysis to support planning decisions, policy development, and program evaluation.
- Develops policy recommendations, planning proposals, and implementation strategies aligned with Navajo Nation priorities, laws, and long-term strategic goals.
- Provides technical assistance and professional guidance to tribal programs, chapters, and external agencies on planning-related matters.
- Coordinates and facilitates multi-agency and interdisciplinary planning efforts involving tribal, federal, state, and local partners.
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets technical, statistical, architectural, engineering, and geographic information to support planning initiatives.
- Develops implementation plans for new policies, programs, and initiatives, including timelines, performance measures, and evaluation criteria.
- Supervises, mentors, and evaluates lower-level planning staff and assigns work priorities to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Participates in administrative functions related to planning activities, including budgeting, reporting, and program oversight.
- Prepares and delivers professional presentations and briefings to tribal leadership, advisory boards, community members, and external stakeholders.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Community Planning, Public Health, Architecture, Engineering, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Political Science, or a closely related field; and Six (6) years of professional experience in urban or regional planning or public health planning, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity; or An equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A favorable background investigation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Knowledge of:
- Advanced planning principles, practices, theories, and methodologies.
- Social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political conditions affecting the Navajo Nation.
- Tribal, federal, and state planning laws, regulations, and policies.
- Land use planning, urban and regional design, environmental planning, public finance, and resource development.
Skill in:
- Conducting applied research and complex data analysis.
- Preparing comprehensive technical reports, policy documents, and planning studies.
- Interpreting architectural drawings, engineering documents, and geographic data.
- Developing and presenting planning proposals and policy recommendations to diverse audiences.
- Supervising staff, managing multiple complex projects, and meeting deadlines.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal departments, chapters, and external agencies.
Proficiency in:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related planning software.
- Microsoft Office applications and standard planning tools.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION APPLICANT SHOULD KNOW
- Depending on the needs of the Navajo Nation, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Navajo and English languages.
- Occasional travel may be required for meetings, site visits, trainings, and professional development activities.