Principal Planner for Infrastructure

Bjwsa; South Carolina; On-site; USD 71,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Bjwsa is seeking a Principal Planner for Infrastructure to drive long-range planning and policy for the Authority, manage the grants program, and coordinate with management, stakeholders, and Board members. This role supports Government Affairs and Engineering initiatives and maintains essential relationships with local municipalities.

The position reports to the Strategic Initiatives Manager and works with the Director of Government Affairs to fulfill the Authority’s needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of planning experience.
• Experience with grant writing and successful grant applications.
• AICP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in Government Affairs and Engineering initiatives and ensures compliance with laws and internal policies.
• Prepares planning projects like utility master planning, source water planning, and strategic planning with governmental units.
• Attends local agency meetings and supports special planning projects.
• Analyzes demographic data and creates maps and data visualizations.
• Supports grants program development and funding strategy for capital improvements.
• Leads grant writing and administration to support funding goals.
• Represents the Authority in planning of utility needs and maintains relationships with stakeholders.
• Performs additional duties as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, GIS, Civil Engineering, or related field

5+ years of professional planning experience

Grant writing experience

Utility infrastructure services experience (preferred)

AICP certification (preferred)

Job description

Salary Range: $70,907.20 To $106,371.20 Annually

SUMMARY: A Principal Planner for Infrastructure performs professional planning, analytical, and project management tasks, including implementing long-range infrastructure goals and planning policy for the Authority, managing the grants program, coordinating with management, stakeholders, and/or Board members, and administrative functions. Work assignments are performed under supervision of the Strategic Initiatives Manager and in collaboration with the Director of Government Affairs to support the overall needs of the Authority.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Participates in Government Affairs and Engineering department initiatives. Ensures all planning activities are in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and guidelines, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Prepares and supports implementation of various planning projects such as utility master planning, source water planning, and strategic planning in collaboration with governmental units located within our service area.
• Attends local agency meetings or participates in special planning projects as assigned.
• Compiles demographic data within our service territory and works with other governmental unit departments analyzing demographic information and projections.
• Creates and revises complex computerized mapping projects and analyzes data.
• Monitors and provides notice of annexation, large development and/or rezoning projects under review by local governments within our service area to support the Authority’s Land Development Team.
• Monitors and analyzes the impact of potential and planned development on the Authority’s long-term treatment capacity.
• Supports the development and implementation of the grants program to assist the Authority’s short- and long-range Capital Improvements Program and Government Affairs initiatives.
• Prepares and shapes funding strategy, maintains multi-year grant pipelines, ensures compliance, mitigates funding risk, and aligns grants with Authority initiatives.
• Leads the grant writing and grant administration to support the Authority’s grant program and funding strategy.
• Reviews, prepares, and processes various reports and documents to include research memos, mapping exhibits, and Board reports. Researches and assists with planning-related special projects.
• Serves as a representative for the Authority to support the planning of utility needs.
• Maintains effective business relationships with customers, developers, and local municipalities.
• Performs other duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, GIS (Geographic Information System), Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Five or more years of professional experience in planning (current, long-range, regional, or municipal planning), or an applicable combination of education and experience.
• Experience in grant writing and demonstration of successful grant applications required
• Experience in utility infrastructure services preferred but not required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.