Planner I

Planning and Regional Services

General Description: Planner I

Performs entry-level planning and research work. Work involves developing local, regional, or state zoning, urban, transportation, environmental, resiliency, or site plans and programs; assisting with state and federal grant administration and compliance; preparing implementation plans; and monitoring policies and procedures. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Organizational Relationships

1. Reports to: Planning Manager

2. Directs: None

3. Other: Works with local, state, and federal government agencies; and has contact with program directors of the regional council, area elected officials, private firms, consultants, and the general public.

Examples of Work Performed

• Collects, organizes, and analyzes data required in the development of plans or programs.
• Participates in, and may lead, technical, policy, and interagency planning meetings.
• Reviews and evaluates planning material for contractual compliance.
• Assists with administration of state, federal, and other grant programs, including application review, grant agreements, amendments, reporting, reimbursement documentation, and closeout activities.
• Assists with monitoring and tracking assigned grant-funded projects for compliance with applicable program requirements, including schedules, budgets, expenditures, invoices, and deliverables.
• Prepares reports and assists in making presentations.
• Researches federal and state regulations.
• Researches and analyzes local, state, and national trends; policy issues; and proposed legislation, regulations, or rules to determine impact; and makes recommendations.
• Consults and communicates with other departments, agencies, and civic groups.
• Conducts field and telephone surveys.
• Conducts planning studies such as feasibility studies or master plans.
• Assists in providing technical planning assistance to the general public, developers, contractors, and local, regional, or state entities.
• Assists in reviewing plans, proposals, and studies. Assists in developing policies and procedures for implementing plans or programs.
• Assists in developing short-range and long-range local, regional, and statewide plans, projects, or programs.
• Assists with metropolitan and regional transportation planning activities, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of transportation plans, programs, projects, and related documentation.
• Assists with preparing and monitoring performance measures.
• Assists with implementation of regional environmental programs and related state or federal initiatives, as assigned.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Experience and Education

Experience in planning and research work. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in city or regional planning, economics, business or public administration, political science, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of government organization and administration; and of principles, objectives, and procedures of governmental planning, programming, and research. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, in applying statistical tools to data, in preparing reports, and in collecting and analyzing demographics and statistics; standard office practices and procedures and familiarization with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of geographic information systems (ArcView and Arc Info GIS systems) is beneficial. Ability to evaluate planning material, to conduct research, and to communicate effectively. Maintain effective working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, regional council program directors, private firms, and the general public. Knowledge of basic transportation planning, environmental program, and grant administration principles is beneficial.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Appropriate Texas Driver’s license, current proof of automobile insurance, and available/alternate means of transportation.

An application is available at: https://ctcog.org/about/careers/ Please send applications to: Central Texas Council of Governments, Attn: Kendra Coufal 2180 N Main Street Belton, Texas 76513

Or email to: [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer This institution is an equal opportunity employer

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
• Which area(s) of urban/regional planning are you most interested in?
• Please describe the types of planning work you are looking to focus on (e.g., transit, active transportation, multimodal transportation, freight, environmental planning, land use, etc.).

Work Location: In person