Regional Planner I

Land of Sky Regional Council is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Regional Planner with primary duties of economic development, grant writing, housing, infrastructure, and community development. Duties may also include support of long-range land development plans, environmental planning, and water quality planning.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this class performs technical and professional planning work for the region, with tasks such as serving as a project manager on specialized project or projects covering a portion or the region or for region-wide services; providing contracted services such as researching planning issues, preparing zoning and development ordinances, or facilitating public hearings or other means of public input; or supporting other staff through technical research and writing. Employees work on one or more areas of expertise including community planning and zoning, water, forest and land quality and restoration process, economic development, alternative and clean energy, solid waste, brownfields, or transportation (roads and alternatives). Work includes tasks such as gathering statistics and field data; analyzing data, ordinances, laws and policies and developing recommendations; preparing or requesting GIS data and maps; providing technical assistance to the local government members; planning and participating in various public participation processes; supporting groups and committees made up of citizen and public officials; evaluating programs and preparing and presenting reports; and complying with grant reporting regulations. Work may also include services for the community such as serving as a compliance officer, reviewing applications for permits, and checking work of contractors. Work requires thorough knowledge of the area of expertise to which assigned and of planning concepts, as well as independent judgment and initiative in the performance of duties. Work is performed primarily in an inside environment but also requires field work and travel within, and occasionally outside, the region. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences, observation, reports, progress on projects, and feedback from the clients.

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Serves as a specialist in a technical area of expertise or as a generalist in broad areas of the planning process; works on projects as assigned.
• Leads or participates in projects in technical areas such as community planning and zoning, water, forest and land quality and restoration process, economic development, alternative and clean energy, solid waste, brownfields, or transportation (roads and alternatives); conducts studies for communities through contracts or complying with grant requirements for multi-jurisdiction projects.; develops recommendations on code and zoning ordinances as assigned; conducts research on ordinances; reviews and drafts reports; presents recommendations.
• Conducts specialized research; gathers and analyzes relevant data for projects; documents services and benefits; drafts feasibility reports;
• Prepares maps using GIS technology; obtains datasets from various data sources for map creation; maintains and updates multilayer GIS database for communities; works with GIS Analyst in gathering, analyzing and using data to display information.
• Serves as a technical advisor to groups such as local governing and planning boards and citizen working groups; makes presentations to groups; supports community events.
• Reviews applications for permits and advises communities on approval; advises public on design and compliance issues; meets on-site with citizens and developers to review codes and regulations.
• Provides technical assistance to member agency staffs.
• Conducts public meetings; facilitates input; provides technical guidance.
• Creates hazard mitigation plans.
• Serves as administrator for local projects as required including recommending contracts, reviewing programs to insure compliance, making inspections, meeting with contractors on program requirements, submitting pay

Desirable Education and Experience:  Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in planning or related field and experience in municipal, county or regional planning or in work in the technical field of expertise as a consultant or professional; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer Masters degree in related field.