Community Planner III

County of Delaware; Media (Delaware County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Delaware is seeking a Community Planner III to lead planning initiatives, manage projects, and provide technical assistance. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in planning, project management skills, and strong communication abilities. This role involves collaboration with various agencies and public presentations, contributing to the County's comprehensive planning efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to four years of job-related experience.
• Experience collaborating with external planning partners.
• Ability to work independently on projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead community project planner.
• Research and write technical reports and planning documents.
• Provide technical assistance and information to the public.

Skills

Collaboration

Project Management

Communication

Customer Service

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Planner III serves as a lead community planner on department work program initiatives. Responsibilities include the provision of professional services and technical assistance for local and county planning purposes on projects and programs that implement the County’s comprehensive plan.

• Serve as the lead community project planner, including coordinating and managing the work program and projects.
• Assure completion of assigned planning projects within the established timeframe and budget.
• Research and write technical reports and planning documents.
• Research and write articles and tools for the Planning Department newsletters, social media, and website.
• Coordinate with other County Departments as needed.
• Provide support letters as requested for state and federal grants.
• Assist municipalities and planners with preparation of Zoning, SALD, Comprehensive, and other specialized plans and ordinances.
• Participate in activities related to the implementation of the County comprehensive plan.
• Provide technical assistance and information to the public and municipalities.
• Attend professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up-to-date on current planning issues.
• Provide guidance to entry level planners including review of work for correctness and completeness.
• Attend meetings with various agencies affiliated with the Planning Department.
• Prepare and conduct presentations of materials to client municipalities, planning partners, and the public.
• Participate and assist with other tasks and special projects as required.
• Prepare mandated reviews within the established timeframe.
• Attend multiple evening meetings on a monthly basis

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field.
• A minimum of three to four years of job-related experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member within the department.
• Experience collaborating with external planning partners.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Excellent writing and document preparation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
• Projection of a positive professional image.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and carry projects to completion.
• 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.
• Five or more years of job-related experience including two or more years of planning experience in Pennsylvania.
• AICP Certification.
• Understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247) and local government structure in Pennsylvania.
• 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 applied use of GIS and Adobe Creative Suite as described below.
• General knowledge and understanding of Chester County policies and procedures.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Intermediate to advanced Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Intermediate to advanced Internet research skills
• Working knowledge to intermediate skill level in the use of GIS and ArcView software
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge); Applied experience using Adobe Creative Suite or GIS for project development and analysis is a plus.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, reach above shoulders, climb stairs, and drive to and from various locations. On rare occasions, the employee will need to bend at the waist or work bent at the waist, work with arms above shoulders, and carry or lift items.
Visual Requirements:

• Close vision (while working on computers and for map presentation)

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Will work inside at a desk 75% of the time.
• Will travel to agencies for meetings 5% of the time.
• Work will entail telephone and computer usage 50 to 70% of the time.
• Work will include field work and surveys 5% of the time.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• This position requires professionalism.