What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planner/Planner Senior position at St. Louis County, MN?
Kind of Work
Would You Be Interested In Assisting With The Development And Administration Of Short- And Long-term Communication Initiatives Focused On Building And Maintaining Community And Governmental Support For Our Public Works Projects? If So, Consider Applying For The Planner/Planner Senior Position To Support The County Through:
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range.
The full salary range for a Planner, including longevity pay, is $29.02 - $41.01 per hour.
The full salary range for a Senior Planner, including longevity pay, is $32.25 - $45.88 per hour.
This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
Planner:
An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the development and administration of short- and long-range planning programs. Duties include assisting in recommendations regarding policies, procedures, regulatory documents, services and other improvement projects or programs in a specialized area of assignment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Planner Senior:
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, designing, developing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and administration and evaluation of assigned functional area. Duties include project management; developing plans and specifications, initiating requests for bids, and contracts; site design, survey and preparation; inspection of construction/installation projects; assisting in the administration of assigned programs; reviewing and evaluating services and programs; developing recommendations for program, policy, service, or budget changes; communicating with and educating the public on related state and department policy and programs; and working independently with local units of government on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
Planner:
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near, midrange, and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; color vision; hear within 5 feet and up to 20 feet; balance; bend neck; climb stairs; talk/speak; walk; and customer/public contact. FREQUENT: Feel; grasp; handle; maintain posture; move about; reach; sit; stand; exposure to weather; work alone, with others and around others; work inside; work outside; and drive. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; crouch; use fingers; rotate neck; and squat.
Planner Senior:
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. FREQUENT: Near and midrange vision; visual accommodation; hearing up to 5 feet; talk/speak; works alone, with and around others; public contact. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds; far vision; depth perception; field of vision; hear up to 20 feet and drive.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Planner (Pass/Fail):
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questionnaire will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-15.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
PHYSICAL - MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed? (All Fields)
Do you have a valid driver's license?
At The Discretion Of The Hiring Authority, This Position May Be Filled Using Either The Planner (full Salary Range Including Longevity Pay Is $29.02 - $41.01) Or The Planner Senior Class (full Salary Range Including Longevity Pay Is $32.25 - $45.88) Per Hour. Please Indicate Your Willingness To Accept Employment As Follows:
SME Explanation: Questions 9-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 9-15.
Of the listed planning and scheduling software, which are you proficient with and how have you used the program(s)? Outlook, SAP, Maximo, Primavera, MS Project
10
Describe the approach and process you would use for developing a community outreach program involving a complex road and traffic flow modification project.
11
How do you prioritize multiple work requests when your time is limited?
12
Please tell us about a time when a project didn't go as expected. How did you handle it?
13
Describe a time when you improved a planning process or system. What was the outcome?
14
How could you interact with project supervisors to ensure effective execution of Public Works plans?
15
What tools or methods would you utilize to gather and analyze data from public outreach campaigns?
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Would You Be Interested In Assisting With The Development And Administration Of Short- And Long-term Communication Initiatives Focused On Building And Maintaining Community And Governmental Support For Our Public Works Projects? If So, Consider Applying For The Planner/Planner Senior Position To Support The County Through:
- Providing technical assistance and data points to the public and other governmental agencies on grant applications and other related project documents.
- Assisting in coordinating departmental cooperative efforts with federal, state, and local agencies. This includes setting up and conducting public information meetings and listening sessions regarding Public Works projects.
- Conducting independent research and analysis of a wide range of communication modes and making recommendations to leadership on the most effective means to convey plans and programs to internal and external audiences.
- Preparing and distributing materials and information using various electronic formats and software for proposals such as project impact statements, project design and construction plans.
- Performing field work as needed by compiling data and information for project studies and community outreach.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range.
The full salary range for a Planner, including longevity pay, is $29.02 - $41.01 per hour.
The full salary range for a Senior Planner, including longevity pay, is $32.25 - $45.88 per hour.
This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
Planner:
An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the development and administration of short- and long-range planning programs. Duties include assisting in recommendations regarding policies, procedures, regulatory documents, services and other improvement projects or programs in a specialized area of assignment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Planner Senior:
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, designing, developing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and administration and evaluation of assigned functional area. Duties include project management; developing plans and specifications, initiating requests for bids, and contracts; site design, survey and preparation; inspection of construction/installation projects; assisting in the administration of assigned programs; reviewing and evaluating services and programs; developing recommendations for program, policy, service, or budget changes; communicating with and educating the public on related state and department policy and programs; and working independently with local units of government on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
Planner:
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near, midrange, and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; color vision; hear within 5 feet and up to 20 feet; balance; bend neck; climb stairs; talk/speak; walk; and customer/public contact. FREQUENT: Feel; grasp; handle; maintain posture; move about; reach; sit; stand; exposure to weather; work alone, with others and around others; work inside; work outside; and drive. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; crouch; use fingers; rotate neck; and squat.
Planner Senior:
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. FREQUENT: Near and midrange vision; visual accommodation; hearing up to 5 feet; talk/speak; works alone, with and around others; public contact. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds; far vision; depth perception; field of vision; hear up to 20 feet and drive.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Planner (Pass/Fail):
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with Bachelor’s degree AND four (4) years full-time paid verifiable professional experience in the assigned functional area; OR a Master’s degree AND two (2) years full-time paid verifiable professional experience in the assigned functional area; OR four (4) years as a Planner, and the recommendation of the director of the department.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questionnaire will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-15.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
- October 27, 2025 - Applicant screening will begin
- Week of November 10, 2025 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of November 24, 2025 - Interviews to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service.
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
PHYSICAL - MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Employee Wellness Program
- Pet Insurance
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
- Yes
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
- Yes
- No
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
- Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
- No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed? (All Fields)
- None
- Some high school (No Graduation)
- High school graduation/equivalent
- 0 - 31 college credits completed (No Degree)
- 32 - 59 college credits completed (No Degree)
- 60 or more college credits completed (No Degree)
- Associate in Arts Degree completed
- Bachelor's Degree completed
- Master's Degree completed
- Doctorate degree or equivalent completed
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
At The Discretion Of The Hiring Authority, This Position May Be Filled Using Either The Planner (full Salary Range Including Longevity Pay Is $29.02 - $41.01) Or The Planner Senior Class (full Salary Range Including Longevity Pay Is $32.25 - $45.88) Per Hour. Please Indicate Your Willingness To Accept Employment As Follows:
- Planner
- Planner Senior
- Either (Planner or Planner Senior)
SME Explanation: Questions 9-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 9-15.
- Yes
- No
Of the listed planning and scheduling software, which are you proficient with and how have you used the program(s)? Outlook, SAP, Maximo, Primavera, MS Project
10
Describe the approach and process you would use for developing a community outreach program involving a complex road and traffic flow modification project.
11
How do you prioritize multiple work requests when your time is limited?
12
Please tell us about a time when a project didn't go as expected. How did you handle it?
13
Describe a time when you improved a planning process or system. What was the outcome?
14
How could you interact with project supervisors to ensure effective execution of Public Works plans?
15
What tools or methods would you utilize to gather and analyze data from public outreach campaigns?
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $29 - $46
