Principal​/Senior Regional Planner

Overview

The Principal/Senior Regional Planner coordinates and implements regional planning initiatives, projects, and public administration services for local governments in the Gateway Region. The Principal/Senior Regional Planner will work in coordination with the Associate Director of Economic Development, the Disaster Recovery Planner, the Infrastructure Development Planner, and the GIS Project Manager to implement local and regional planning activities. This position will work in all facets of planning at both the local and regional levels and provides opportunities to gain experience in land use, transportation, and economic development planning.

It will provide direct support to legislative bodies, public utilities, and planning commissions.

Responsibilities

• Regional Strategic Planning: identify local and regional development needs with stakeholders.
• Facilitate and coordinate local and regional comprehensive planning initiatives.
• Collect, process, and assess local and regional planning data.
• Coordinate project identification and development.
• Draft and revise local and regional development plans; oversee administration of the ADD’s regional planning programs.
• Public Administration Services: assist local units of government in delivering services by providing technical assistance in training, personnel, research, finance, and procurement.
• Notifications of training and grant opportunities for local officials; oversee the Area Development Fund grant program; provide technical assistance to local governments, SPGEs, and stakeholders.
• Grant Writing: prepare grant applications for various funding sources; research sources; develop proposals; package funding applications; maintain records of submittals.
• Project Administration: coordinate project activities; manage schedules and funding administration; communicate with stakeholders and clients; maintain documentation and budgets; ensure required forms and reporting are completed.
• Other duties as needed to support planning and project development for the Gateway counties and cities.

Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree or higher in planning, geography, public administration, or related field required.
• Certification and trainings:
  Valid Driver’s License required. CDBG Project Administrator Certification must be acquired and maintained after hire. AICP Certification preferred. Employee may be required to attend professional development trainings.
• Experience:
  
  Three (3) or more years of related experience at the intermediate – professional level. Master’s degree will substitute for one year of required experience.

Physical, Sensory, and Working Conditions

• Physical:
  Sit or stand for extended periods; reach, stoop, crouch, bend; fine motor skills; ability to lift and carry 30 pounds; operate a vehicle.
• Sensory:
  Sight;
  Hearing;
  Speaking.
• Working Conditions:
  
  Indoor office conditions; outdoor data collection or site visits in varying weather and terrain; possible wildlife encounters.

Availability and Travel

• Normal business hours with occasional nights/weekends for events/trainings/local meetings.
• Regular travel within the region and state; occasional travel outside state; ability to travel multiple days.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicles

• Standard office equipment; fleet/personal vehicle; cellular/tablet device; GPS collection equipment (Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles of economic development, public administration, and infrastructure planning.
• Federal and state laws and administrative regulations.
• Concepts, theories, and practice of nonprofit or governmental administration.
• Regional planning; familiarity with EDA programs, Department for Local Government programs, ARC, USDA Rural Development, FEMA funding, and KY Transportation Cabinet programs.
• Local government and nonprofit operations, organization, functions, and challenges.

Skills

• Oral and written communication;
  Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Attention to detail; problem solving; analytical abilities.
• Establishing and sustaining interpersonal relationships; organize and maintain accurate files and records.

Abilities

• Be present and punctual; prioritize work and meet…