Principal Planner

Since 1968, the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) has united municipal, county, and state governments and federal agencies to work as a single team focused solely on improving the region that now includes more than 713,000 residents.

We identify and address common regional issues, opportunities, and challenges of northeast Alabama’s municipalities and counties, including DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall.

TARCOG is seeking a Principal Planner to join our team. We are looking for individuals who share our core values of service, initiative, accountability, and transparent communication.

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for CAD/GIS maintenance, management and supervision. Responsible for solicitation, preparation and submission of grants, plans, planning elements and studies assigned to the Economic Development and Planning Department. Responsible for preparing and assisting in the preparation of grant applications and for executing grants awarded to the Economic Development and Planning Department.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Receives general guidance from the Economic Development and Planning Director. Supervisor sets overall objectives and employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be done; employee is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment; and work is reviewed throughout the process.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Responsible for the technical and creative work related to the graphic needs of TARCOG. Establishes departmental rules, procedures and protocols regarding computer mapping data maintenance, back-up and software/hardware use policies to ensure data integrity and redundant safety. Supervises and/or maintains archives, maps and GIS files. Reviews current GIS related materials on systems and software and recommends upgrades/addition of software/ hardware to the Economic Development and Planning Director.

2. Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social, and economic issues.

3. As requested by the Economic Development and Planning Director, uses established guidelines to prepare grant applications for submission. Assists grantees with project start-up requirements, procuring professional and other contractual services such as acquiring parcels, easements or rights-of-way, monitoring construction activities and ensuring compliance with financial requirements. Administers funded grant projects in accordance with established program rules, guidelines and procedures. Prepares project closeout documents.

4. Presents reports and information to the TARCOG Board of Directors and to the member governments officials to provide a summary on programs, introduce new programs and respond to requests for information as needed.

5. Schedules and conducts necessary public involvement meetings. Attends local government meetings. Meets with appropriate individuals and groups during the different aspects of projects as necessary.

6. Prepares planning reports and/or studies and coordinates graphics preparation and report production. Establishes and maintains project records. Prepares project summaries and status reports.

7. Exchanges information with the Finance Director and the Economic Development and Planning Director concerning expenditures and status of accounts and payment of invoices of contracts to establish and maintain budget expenditures of grants.

8. Provides technical assistance to member governments. Exchanges information with member governments regarding planning and development functions, census related data, etc.

9. Attends seminars, conferences, and workshops as required regarding development and planning activities or as deemed helpful in order to enhance job performance.

10. Supervises Senior Planners, Associate Planners and student interns through regular one-on-one meetings, memoranda, reports, conversations, etc., assigns tasks, reviews work, solves problems and conflicts, and counsels Senior Planners, Associate Planners, and student interns on performance, sets goals, etc. Evaluates performance of Senior Planners, Associate Planners, and interns using approved…