The Senior Planner is a mid-level professional role. This position operates under the guidance of a Planning and Development Director to manage the Calhoun Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing MPO correspondence and meetings
• Conducting planning projects or studies.
• Developing program plans.
• Providing technical assistance to local officials, staff, and the public.
• Performing tasks related to the planner's expertise.

The supervisor evaluates the Senior Planner's performance through staff meetings, project status reports, and reviews of the planner's work, including reports, plans, and applications.

Core Agency Competencies (included on all job descriptions)

Integrity and Trust - Our staff members act with integrity by keeping confidences, being accountable, taking responsibility and not misrepresenting our roles. We are committed to building trust in our relationships and establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with staff, volunteers and the public.

Passion for the Mission - Our staff is focused on and dedicated to meeting the expectations of internal and external customers. Promote a positive image of East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission.

Teamwork - Each employee is a valuable member of the Commission's team and contributes to the overall success of the agency. We collaborate and communicate openly and honestly to solve problems, respect each other, learn from one another, grow in our respective roles and contribute to strong morale throughout the organization. Together Each Achieves More!

Technical Skills - Our staff is committed to possessing the skills needed to best perform in his/her position. As needs and resources change, staff will seek and engage in learning opportunities to improve their skills and strengths. We are committed to continuous improvement.

Time Management – Our staff uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):

Collects data and other information needed to prepare planning studies and reports.

Prepares written analysis of data and other information gathered for planning studies and reports.

Provides staff support for the Calhoun Area MPO or the East Alabama RPO.

Prepares reports, studies, and other documents required by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Prepares and submits grant applications and manages some of the grants that are funded.

Attends city council, county commission, and other public meetings to gather information or to present study results.

Performs other work related to Commission's overall program responsibilities, as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practice of urban and regional planning.

Extensive knowledge of the relationship between land use and transportation system performance.

Extensive knowledge of the principles and methods regarding transportation system modeling.

Extensive knowledge of research methods and practices used in preparing planning studies.

Highly proficient in the ability to apply advanced professional planning principles and methods to assigned projects.

Extensive knowledge of public administration with emphasis on program administration.

Highly skilled in the ability to perform routine and advanced planning work, with minimal supervision.

Extensive knowledge of project and program development.

Extensive knowledge of planning document preparation.

Highly proficient in the ability to undertake major planning projects or programs either independently, as part of a team, or as team leader, particularly with relation to area(s) of expertise.

Extensive knowledge of the different categories of grant-in-aid programs and expertise in managing specific categories of those programs.

Highly proficient in the ability to prepare and submit grant applications and to manage funded grants, with minimal supervision, and to oversee less experienced staff in grant preparation and management.

Proficiency in using MS Office applications and other computer software related to the field.

Considerable knowledge of cartography, geographic information systems, and graphic design techniques.

Highly proficient in the ability to present ideas and technical material clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, local officials and staff, and the public.

Ability to drive an automobile, possession of a valid driver's license, and insurable under the Commission's motor vehicle liability policy.

Highly proficient in the ability to Maintain Composure: Is cool under pressure; does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times, can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; doesn't show frustration when resisted or blocked; is a settling influence in a crisis.

Possesses Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people---up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can defuse even high-tension situations comfortably.

Ability to solve problems: Uses logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers.

Ability to Build Effective Teams: Blends people into teams when needed; creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team; shares wins and successes; fosters open dialogue; lets people finish and be responsible for their work; defines success in terms of the whole team; creates a feeling of belonging in the team.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience in urban planning with a bachelor's degree from an accredited University Planning Program in urban and regional planning; or in a program in a closely related field.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from a program in Urban and Regional Planning accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board
• 3 years of experience working in the field of urban, regional, or transportation planning, or equivalent education and experience.

Classification: Exempt

Position Classification Pay Grade: 16 - $60,136 (Depending upon education and experience)

Reports To: Director of Planning

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Work Environment: Office Setting - Flexible Hybrid Work Schedule

Expected Hours of Work: Full-Time Position - Core work hours between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Variation of core hours must be coordinated and approved by immediate supervisor.