Planner / Designer - Community Development

Dona Ana County; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 56,825 - 92,227; Full time

Job summary

Doña Ana County in Las Cruces, NM seeks a skilled planner to manage comprehensive planning, community development, and public engagement initiatives. You will design and coordinate projects from concept through implementation, aligning with county policies and ordinances.

Responsibilities include preparing planning documents, analyzing land use proposals, communicating with boards and the public, and preparing technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required in planning or related fields.
• Two years of regional/comprehensive planning experience.
• AICP, PMP, CNU, ASLA, or AIA certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan and related plans.
• Analyze development proposals for consistency with adopted plans.
• Develop work plans, budgets, and schedules for planning projects.
• Secure grants and manage funding for design and construction efforts.
• Prepare reports and coordinate with agencies, consultants, and the public.
• Prepare maps and visual materials to support planning initiatives.

Skills

GIS

Public engagement

Graphic design

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS software

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Perform professional planning, design, and project management work related to comprehensive planning, community development, public engagement, and implementation of County initiatives; provide technical analysis, project coordination, and design support in accordance with County ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Planning and Project Development

• Assist with the preparation, amendment, implementation, and maintenance of County planning documents, including the Comprehensive Plan, Community Plans, Corridor Plans, and related initiatives.
• Analyze land development applications, proposals, and regional planning efforts for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted planning documents.
• Develop short- and long-range work plans, procedures, schedules, and implementation strategies for planning and design initiatives.
• Seek, secure, and administer grants and other funding sources to support planning, design, construction, and community development projects.

2. Project and Contract Management

• Manage assigned planning, design, and construction projects and contracts.
• Develop and monitor project scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and performance measures.
• Prepare, distribute, and monitor project correspondence with funding agencies, consultants, contractors, management, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain project files and organize project documentation, drawings, reports, records, and correspondence.

3. Community Engagement and Public Participation

• Conduct community outreach and public education activities related to planning, design, and development initiatives.
• Facilitate, schedule, and coordinate stakeholder meetings, public meetings, workshops, and engagement activities.
• Present information and recommendations to boards, commissions, community organizations, and other groups.
• Represent the department at working groups, committees, public meetings, and community events.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with governmental agencies, community organizations, stakeholders, and residents to advance planning and design initiatives.

4. Research and Analysis

• Collect, compile, and analyze complex data and information to support planning, design, and policy decisions.
• Prepare technical reports, studies, recommendations, and supporting documentation based on research findings and analysis.
• Evaluate community conditions, development trends, and planning issues to support local and regional initiatives.

5. Design and Visualization

• Prepare maps, graphic presentations, conceptual designs, renderings, site plans, and other visual materials to support planning and community development projects.
• Develop illustrative graphics and communication materials to convey planning concepts, project objectives, and design recommendations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Other duties as assigned. May be required to work outside of normal working hours; evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends to meet the needs of certain projects. Occasional out-of-town, over-night travel is required for conferences, training, professional development, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field.

B. Experience. Two (2) years of experience in the areas of regional, comprehensive, community planning and design or similar capacity.

C. Education/Experience Substitution. In accordance with County policy.

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver's license. Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. AICP, PMP, CNU, ASLA, or AIA certification is preferred.

E. Other. Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check. A portfolio of work samples must be submitted with the application to be considered for the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of community planning, urban design, placemaking, and land use planning.
• Comprehensive planning, functional area planning, site planning, and development review processes.
• Community design principles related to regions, municipalities, neighborhoods, districts, corridors, streetscapes, and public spaces.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies related to planning and development.
• Construction drawings, site plans, design standards, and development regulations.
• Public engagement, community outreach, and collaborative planning processes.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS), graphic design applications, and other software used in planning and design.

Skill

• Using planning, design, mapping, and graphic communication software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, GIS applications, AutoCAD, and related tools.
• Analyzing data, evaluating alternatives, and developing sound planning and design recommendations.
• Preparing graphic presentations, conceptual plans, maps, reports, and visual materials.
• Managing projects, organizing work activities, and coordinating multiple assignments.
• Conducting public presentations and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Applying creative and innovative approaches to planning, design, and community improvement initiatives.

Ability

• Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through graphic and visual formats.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, consultants, contractors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, design standards, and technical information.
• Work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Exercise sound judgment and recognize when issues should be elevated to management.
• Facilitate collaboration among departments, agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Adapt to changing priorities, organizational needs, and community concerns.
• Coordinate activities involving multiple departments, disciplines, and governmental agencies.
• Train, educate, and provide technical guidance to staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Compensation Range

$56,825.60 - $92,227.20

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.