PRINCIPAL PLANNER Community Development and Planning

Transcription

1 PRINCIPAL PLANNER Community Development and Planning Position Purpose: The purpose of this position is to assume lead responsibility for the accomplishment of a planning work program for the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC). Acts as supervisor for other professional staff and as a project manager when assigned as a team leader. Must have superior education and experience to conduct independent planning research and technical writing, surveys, analyses, and public presentations, and to work with others as member of a multi-disciplinary team. Performs all other related work as required. Supervision: Supervision Scope: Exercises considerable initiative, and independent judgment in the planning, administration and execution of the department s programs and services. Works independently in formulating recommendations and decisions regarding procedures, operations and plans for all areas of responsibility. Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Program Manager of Community Planning and Development, functioning independently, and referring specific problems to supervisor only when clarification or interpretation of project objectives or procedure is required. Supervision Given: May act as a project or team leader as assigned. May supervise professional interns, Assistant and Associate Planner staff, and other employees as assigned. Job Environment: Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment is moderately noisy. Inspection work is performed outdoors with exposure to weather extremes and the hazards of construction sites. Frequent attendance at evening meetings at CMRPC and at member communities is required. May occasionally attend meeting in and out of state. Operates an automobile; utilizes computer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment. Makes frequent contacts with the general public, other CMRPC employees, and a broad spectrum of others, which may include municipal officials, local/regional/state/federal agencies, transit authority, local colleges, local chambers of commerce, developers, attorneys, real estate appraisers, architects, and planning consultants. Contacts require excellent customer service skills and considerable persuasiveness and resourcefulness.

2 Errors in judgment could result in reduced levels of service, cause confusion and delay, adverse public relations, and have legal repercussions. Essential Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) General: Prepares and implements CMRPC s long and short-range planning programs. Implements projects including written products assuring fulfillment of all contractual obligations. When assigned as a team leader, develops detailed work schedules and coordinates work assignments of other staff in assigned projects. Prepares documents for contracts with various local, state and federal government agencies. Coordinates assigned planning projects including those assigned to consultants and administers assigned contracts. Coordinates, facilitates and moderates public meetings and hearings as assigned. Identifies and promotes new opportunities for delivery of CMRPC s services to communities. Identifies, develops, prepares, and administers grant applications Compiles and analyzes data on the Region s economic, social, and physical characteristics. Prepares and interprets surveys, various planning issues, and policy questions. Represents the CMRPC at regional, state, and federal agencies. Specific Functional Planning Areas as Assigned Community Development (illustrative only): Prepares planning documents assisting member communities eligiblity for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. These plans are, but not limited to, Community Actions Statements, Community Development Strategies and Housing Certifications including housing strategies and accompanying data and narratives. Prepares documents and contracts for CDBG programs and manages CDBGfunded programs on behalf of member communities. Processes client intake; processes requests for payments between CDBG program and clients and

3 contractors. Inputs client data into the CDBG software program. Prepares quarterly reports for assigned CDBG programs. Environmental Planning and Resource Protection (illustrative only): Conducts research, analysis and writing tasks as needed to fulfill the obligations of local, state, and federal-funded environmental planning and/or protection programs and initiatives. These may include programs such as build outs, community development planning, open space and recreation planning, stormwater management, and brownfields planning and redevelopment. May develop and administer a variety of grant programs. Municipal Assistance (illustrative only): Assists local officials with zoning ordinances/bylaws, subdivision regulations and other related land use and development codes; analyzes state and federal legislation pertinent to land use planning; monitors innovative regulatory approaches to land development and applies those opportunities within our communities and region. Assists local officials with the processing of rezoning case applications, and the review and evaluation of major development projects. Provides technical assistance to municipal planning staff in the area of CDBG and Environmental Review Processes as needed. Housing Planning and Development (illustrative only): Conducts research, analysis and writing tasks as needed to fulfill the obligations of local, state and federal-funded housing planning and/or development projects. These may include housing rehabilitation, affordable housing unit creation and mixed-use building rehabilitation projects. Represents the CMRPC to non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, state and federal agencies such as chambers of commerce, North Central Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act Coalition (NCMCRAC), Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). Identifies and pursues funding for housing planning, rehabilitation and development; coordinates with other agencies as may be appropriate. Prepares Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications on behalf of member communities. Other Duties as Assigned: Performs research and design work involved in developing various sections of the comprehensive planning program.

4 Makes field and office surveys and gathers information relating to land use, traffic, and other community problems. Carries out supervisory, coordinating, and liaison activities relative to work being conducted by other agencies or consultants. Assists with the preparation of the CMRPC s Work Program Annual Reports. The Principal Planner performs similar or related work as required, directed and as the situation dictates. Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education. Training and Experience: A Masters degree with five years of relevant experience, or a Bachelors degree with seven years of relevant experience, is required. Municipal town planner experience is highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred. Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator s license is required. Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning. General knowledge of community and economic development concepts and incentives. Thorough understanding of land use planning, zoning, growth management, housing and related concepts and practices, and the ability to clearly apply the information in a variety of oral and written settings; Thorough knowledge of municipal operations and processes, including general financial operations, general operations of various boards, areas of responsibility and authority for municipal officials and boards, and systems applicable to Massachusetts municipalities; Thorough understanding of MGLs and standard operating procedures affecting municipal operations, including procurement, development and zoning, is highly desired. Ability: Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with CMRPC staff, municipal officials and departments, state agencies, businesses, and the general public. Ability to conceptualize and define the goals and objectives of the department. Ability to analyze complex issues and to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations. Ability to recognize region-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment

5 Ability to conduct independent research and to analyze and interpret results. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions, often under considerable time pressure. Ability to produce detailed and accurate analyses and documents in a timely and fiscally-responsible manner with little supervision. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a well-organized, professional, accurate, efficient and complete manner; Ability to successfully coordinate the diverse input of a public audience or committee in order to generate consensus around a stated goal. Ability to relate professionally and appropriately with other members of the planning team, CMRPC staff, CMRPC Delegates, member communities and the general public; Ability to operate Microsoft Office software to produce desired results in essential. Additionally, the ability to use ESRI, GIS, GPS, and other more advanced tools will be advantageous. Good working knowledge of and proficiency in the use of office automation, planning materials, tools, and other resources. Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent grant-writing skills. Excellent project management skills. Excellent leadership and team-building skills. Skill in operating computers and applicable software applications Skill in all of the above-listed tools and equipment Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimal physical effort generally required for work performed in the office. Light physical effort occasionally required in the performance of field investigations. Operates a computer keyboard. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Communicates to large audiences at public meetings. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)