Planner (Regional Planning) (mid-level)

Ideal Candidate: A strong interest and background in transportation, land use, or comprehensive planning.

Job Summary. Performs professional work in Region 1 Planning Council’s planning department. Work varies on transportation, land use, comprehensive, environmental, and sustainability projects. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Regional Planning.

Illustrative Essential Duties. The Regional Planner investigates, analyzes, documents, and leads ongoing short- and long-range planning efforts. Must possess strong writing skills, prepare recommendations, and perform research, planning and technical analysis for projects. Planning Responsibilities

• Develops and leads planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans,programs, and regulations; including but not limited to transportation working documents,comprehensive plans, and corridor studies.

• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates.

• Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze data, produce reports and visually display regional demographic, land use, economic, public transit and other transportation infrastructure data.

• Communicate and coordinate with state, federal, and local agencies in developing planning documents, funding proposals, and sub-area studies.

• Analyze linkages between the regional transportation system, land use, demographic and economic adjustments; at all times connecting the above planning elements to economic impacts.

• Participate on cross-collaborative teams in long-range, corridor, and redevelopment studies.

• Maintain knowledge of changes in federal, state, and local planning laws.

• Actively consult on transportation, environmental, and comprehensive planning and economicdevelopment functions of the R1.

• Assist in data collection and analysis for performance-based planning.

• Maintain and prepare records and documentation necessary for certifying the planning processfor conformance with applicable State, Federal and local guidelines and regulations.

• Prepare progress reports and other related status information.

Board and Committee Responsibilities

• Based on project assignments, serves as staff support interacting with governing board, policycommittees, and advisory committees.

• Assists in the set-up and preparation for meetings.

Other

• Maintains a professional office setting through cleanliness, organization, and demeanor

• Works collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement by colleagues in thefulfillment of R1 priorities

• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervision Received Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Planning. Specific tasks and work direction for planning documents and projects may be assigned through project leads with considerable latitude and independence for carrying out tasks and assignments to completion. Additional guidance is provided through R1 policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through reports and meetings for timely accomplishment of tasks and annually for overall results achieved. Special projects or situations may be reviewed in progress and at conclusion. Supervision Exercised Supervision may be a responsibility of this position, based on performance. Working Conditions and Special Demands Work is performed primarily in an office setting, although work activities require attending meetings or field inspections that involve travel throughout the area. Occasional field inventory and data collection work is required. Success Factors Critical knowledge and fundamental skills required for the position, include:

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Ability to prepare and present reports and presentations

• Exercises initiative to problem-solve, develop plans, and follow-through

• Skill in the use and care of a personal computer, including knowledge of MS Office Suite and other software and technologies as they are adopted by the R1

• Ability to appropriately prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines

• Work collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of team members inthe fulfillment of R1 priorities

• Ability to adapt as the organization develops and evolves

• Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance

• ArcGIS

• Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint

Education, Training, Experience

Master's degree with two years of experience in the planning profession or a bachelor's degree and four years of professional planning experience. Exceptions based on performance.

Annual completion of Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act training required.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Drug screening and background check

Region 1 Planning Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Rockford, IL: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000