Planner

Apa Mississippi; Mississippi; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional planning agency in Mississippi seeks a candidate for a technical planning position. Responsibilities include preparing land use plans, providing assistance to local officials, and engaging in community planning efforts. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Urban and Regional Planning and be familiar with planning principles and GIS software.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field.
• Certification as a member of the AICP preferred.
• Valid Mississippi driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and update comprehensive land use plans.
• Provide technical assistance to municipal and county officials.
• Attend meetings and conferences for project insights.

Skills

Knowledge of planning principles

Microsoft Office proficiency

GIS knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning

AICP certification or Master's degree

Job description

The Central Mississippi Planning & Development District has been promoting regional excellence since 1968. Our purpose is to assist with creative regional solutions to relevant and emerging issues for our participating governments.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Planning

Reports to: Director of Planning and Management

Summary/Objective

This position is responsible for technical planning work involved in making long-range planning studies. The work involves considerable contact with local municipal and county officials in ascertaining their needs and in formulating an effective planning study. Incumbents assigned to this classification are responsible for forming comprehensive plans and programs for the utilization of land and physical facilities of areas within the District.

Essential Functions

• Assists with preparing and updating comprehensive land use plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other plans and reports.
• Provides technical assistance and information to municipal and county government officials, and the general public regarding development regulations, including re‑zonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, conditional use permits, variances, and other proposals.
• Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Attends numerous meetings, conferences, and seminars to view models and examples of projects that could be used within the District and for general educational development.

Required Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related degree. Certification as a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or master’s degree preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of planning, including transportation and land use planning, and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Considerable knowledge of computer hardware and software systems such as Microsoft Office, internet applications and GIS.
• Oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to present findings to various boards and committees.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with others, to make sound decisions.
• Ability to express ideas and opinions clearly and concisely.
• Must have and maintain a valid Mississippi driver's license.

AAP/EEO Statement

CMPDD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Other Duties

• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports. Including graphic illustrations, and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates.
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments.
• Works and communicates with various agencies and organizations to stay informed on projects that will assist jurisdictions and organizations in the District.
• Assists Division Director in a variety of functions related to the implementation of long and short‑range programs or projects within the District.
• Serve as back‑up and supplemental assistance for designated duties within the Planning Division.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The absence of specific statements of duties do not exclude those duties from the position if those duties are related, similar, or a logical assignment of the position.