Community Planner II

Chester-County-of-Pennsylvania; Westtown (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chester County Planning Commission is seeking a Planner II to support the implementation of Landscapes3 through research, planning studies, and writing comprehensive plans and related ordinances. The role involves collaborate with municipal officials, community stakeholders and internal project teams in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities include data collection and analysis, preparing technical reports, attending meetings (including evenings), providing technical assistance to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field required.
• Minimum one year of job-related experience.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience collaborating with planning partners.
• Proficiency with computer software including GIS, MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist in researching and drafting municipal comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.
• Monitor grant programs and contract compliance.
• Attend municipal and planning partner meetings.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities.
• Prepare or present materials to municipalities or planning seminars.
• Coordinate with regional organizations on planning issues.
• Attend evening meetings as required.
• Stay up-to-date on current planning issues.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Follow instructions

Time management

Organization skills

Independent and team work

Collaboration with planning partners

Attention to detail

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Master’s degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS (ArcView)

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Outlook

Internet research

Job description

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.

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 / Requirements:

• 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.

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)