Regional Planner

Salary Range

$55,000 to $75,000

Regional Planner at NMCOG, you will work directly with municipalities to turn community goals into implementable strategies. This hands‑on role is for someone who enjoys tackling a variety of planning topics, working closely with local officials, and translating data and policy into clear, actionable recommendations. You will contribute to projects that shape housing, transportation, land use, sustainability, and economic development across the region.

• Support local and regional planning initiatives, including Master Plans, Housing Plans, Economic Development Plans, Mobility and Corridor Studies, Open Space and Recreation Plans, and regional policy efforts.
• Conduct research, data collection, and analysis related to housing, land use, transportation, sustainability, and economic development.
• Assist in developing implementation‑focused action plans, including priorities, timelines, and funding strategies.
• Draft and help refine bylaws, ordinances, policies, reports, and public‑facing materials.
• Maintain and analyze datasets, including building permits, zoning, parcel data, and GIS layers.
• Create clear and engaging written and visual materials, such as reports, maps, presentations, flyers, and social media content.
• Support community outreach and engagement, including public meetings, workshops, and stakeholder coordination.
• Present findings to municipal boards, elected officials, committees, and community groups.
• Coordinate and participate in technical committees, working groups, and advisory bodies.
• Conduct field work, site visits, and assessments as needed.
• Attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, public policy, environmental studies, GIS, economic development, or a closely related field, or at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• Working knowledge of planning principles related to housing, land use, transportation, sustainability, and economic development.
• Experience with research, data analysis, and synthesis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database tools.
• Experience editing and maintaining GIS data using ESRI ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
• Strong writing, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred:
  Familiarity with graphic design tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Preferred:
  Experience supporting community engagement or facilitation.
• Preferred:
  Experience with grant research or administration.

• Valid driver’s license or ability to arrange transportation within the region.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.