Community Planner II

Chester County, PA; Westtown (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester County Planning Commission is seeking a Planner II - Community Planner to support the implementation of Landscapes3 and assist in researching and writing comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and land development ordinances. The role collaborates with municipal officials, community stakeholders, and internal project teams.

The position monitors grant programs, attends evening meetings, and works in a hybrid environment balancing preservation and growth across the county.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• A minimum of one year of job-related experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to accurately carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Experience collaborating with planning partners.
• Computer skills as described below.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Undertake data collection, analysis and report preparation on planning and demographic information.
• Research planning topics, prepare technical reports, and review and analyze data.
• Attend municipal and planning partner meetings.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities.
• Address questions from the general public.
• Work on special projects as needed.
• Attend professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues.
• Attend evening meetings, as required.
• Assist in preparing or presenting materials to municipalities or planning seminars.
• Coordinate with regional organizations on issues of interest to Chester County.
• Assist with research and writing of municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies.
• Monitor Vision Partnership Program contracts to ensure municipalities are meeting grant program requirements and are consistent with the County’s policies.
• Attend municipal public meetings and hearings as needed.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent work

Team player

GIS

ArcView

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS software (ArcView)

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Posting number: 04775

Department: Planning

Division: Planning

Job classification: Planner II - Community Planner

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development

Summary

The Planner II is responsible for performing various tasks required by the Planning Commission to support the implementation of the County’s long range comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. Position responsibilities include assisting in the research and writing comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies for local municipalities. The position also monitors grant programs, attends evening meetings, and is in frequent collaboration with municipal officials, community stakeholders, local planning partners, and internal project teams. The Chester County Planning Commission is committed to engaging with communities and our planning partners as we continue to balance preservation and growth in the county. The Planning Commission operates in a hybrid work environment.

Examples of duties

Core Duties

• Undertake data collection, analysis and report preparation on planning and demographic information.
• Research planning topics, prepare technical reports, and review and analyze data.
• Attend municipal and planning partner meetings.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities.
• Address questions from the general public.
• Work on special projects as needed.
• Attend professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues.
• Attend evening meetings, as required.
• Assist in preparing or presenting materials to municipalities or planning seminars.
• Coordinate with regional organizations on issues of interest to Chester County.

Community Planner

• Assist with research and writing of municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and special planning studies.
• Monitor Vision Partnership Program contracts to ensure municipalities are meeting grant program requirements and are consistent with the County’s policies.
• Attend municipal public meetings and hearings as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• A minimum of one year of job-related experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to accurately carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and carry tasks to completion.
• Ability to perform accurate and detail oriented work.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Experience collaborating with planning partners.
• Computer skills as described below.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• Two to three years of job-related experience.
• Understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) and local government structure in Pennsylvania.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Strong consensus-building skills.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Self-initiative in undertaking projects and research.
• Flexibility in handling changing demands and priorities.
• Ability to handle and resolve problems.
• General understanding of state and federal programs, regulations, review processes, and funding sources related to the specific planning position.
• Accreditation or affiliation with applicable professional associations (e.g., AICP, APA, ITE) is a plus.

Supplemental information

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic to Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate Internet research skills
• Working knowledge to intermediate skill level in the use of GIS and ArcView software (Intermediate required for GIS planner)