Review Planner IV

Senior Level Planner

The Chester County Planning Commission seeks a senior level planner responsible for the review of subdivision and land development plans, land use ordinances, comprehensive plans, and other municipal planning documents required for county review under Act 247, the PA Municipalities Planning Code. A primary focus of the reviews is determining consistency with the county comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, as well as ensuring our municipal partners have the best professional planning and design guidance available as they consider proposed developments and planning policies within their communities.

The Planning Commission operates in a hybrid work environment.

Essential duties include developing planning projects including content, schedules, and assignments; as lead project planner, coordinating and managing project team assignments to ensure accurate and timely completion of projects; collaborating with planning partners to address planning issues facing the county; recommending policy and implementation strategies affecting land use, community facilities, housing, transportation, and resource protection; analyzing data and applying findings to interpret planning issues and develop appropriate planning policies and strategies;

training and supervising staff planners, reviewing their work for correctness and completeness; providing technical assistance to client municipalities, planning partners, and the public; attending and participating in professional conferences and seminars and reviewing professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues; serving on in-house project teams, as needed; researching and writing articles and tools for the Planning Commission newsletters, social media, and website;

presenting at Planning Commission board meetings and other public meetings to inform people of activities, issues, and trends within the County; planning, coordinating, and directing training and staff development programs; and performing other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Review planner duties include preparing mandated reviews within the established timeframe including subdivision and land development applications and proposed ordinance amendments; suggesting alternate designs for submitted subdivision and land development plans; researching and writing tools relevant to land development activities; participating in municipal and partner meetings; and guiding planners on best practices for development layouts.

Qualifications/preferred skills, knowledge, and experience include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field; a minimum of six to seven years of job-related experience; ability to work collaboratively as a team member or project leader within the department; demonstrated ability and experience in collaborating with external planning partners; self-directed with the ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision;

strong project management skills and experience; excellent writing and document preparation skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; projection of a positive professional image; strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills; understanding of data sources and application of statistical methodologies; strong attention to detail; experience working with local governments; demonstrated customer service skills and experience; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and carry projects to completion;

understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) and local government structure in Pennsylvania; and a valid driver's license is required.

Preferred skills, knowledge, and experience include a master's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field; eight or more years of job-related experience with a minimum of three years of planning experience in Pennsylvania; AICP Certification including APA and local chapter membership; thorough understanding of professional planning ethics; advanced understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247), the local government structure in Pennsylvania, and familiarity with proposed planning related legislation;

motivation and high level of interest in understanding and addressing planning projects and issues; experience with preparing for, managing, and presenting at public meetings; ability to resolve problems and handle potentially stressful situations; ability to maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers on team projects; experience in the application and/or drafting of zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances; experience with private-sector land use planning and administration;

working knowledge of budgets, contracts, and grant administration; general knowledge and understanding of Chester County policies and procedures; experience in the applied use of GIS and Adobe Creative Suite as described under "Computer…