Regional Planner

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for assisting local governments with community planning, environmental management, sustainability and smart growth, hazard mitigation, transportation, zoning, community development, and grant preparation. This is a professional position that engages with local government issues, including administration, project management, and the development of innovative solutions in coordination with member governments. It involves the application of considerable knowledge, research, and planning in government, urban design, historic preservation, transportation, housing, public administration, and related areas.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 • Provides technical assistance to local governments with the development of various plans including but not limited to comprehensive plans, pre-disaster mitigation plans, transportation plans, greenspace plans, and recreation master plans. 

• Conducts regional planning activities, including maintenance of a Regional Comprehensive Plan, Regionally Important Resources Plan, and other similar documents. 

• Serves as project lead for activities of the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition and supports the work and activities of other regional organizations working to improve environmental quality. 

• Works with local elected and appointed officials to develop and prepare grant and loan applications for public infrastructure, community development, recreation, sustainability, and other identified program areas. • Assists local governments with a wide variety of technical assistance, including administration, research, project management, and developing innovative solutions to the community’s problems. 

• Assists local governments in the development of policies and programs that increase the sustainability and resilience of local communities. 

• Assists local governments in the facilitation and formation of various special projects, such as housing needs assessments and economic development strategies.

 • Supports local governments and their affiliates through workshop attendance, facilitation, and participation.

 • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances, laws, and regulations. 

• Knowledge of grant programs and funding sources from public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

• Knowledge of the day-to-day functions of local, state, and federal governments. 

• Functional knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat. 

• Ability to read, manipulate, analyze, and interpret data from various sources. 

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend professional journals, government regulations, reports, and business correspondence. 

• Ability to decipher federal and state regulations and instructions. 

• Ability to successfully work on multiple projects at one time. 

• Skill in communicating professionally both orally and in written form. 

• Skill to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times and in a wide variety of professional situations.

MINIMUM TRAINING and/or EXPERIENCE TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Regional Planner should, at a minimum, have a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university and one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Public Policy, or Public Administration is preferred. Historic Preservation knowledge/ experience is a plus.