Position Summary

The Assistant Planner assists in developing and updating the McLean County Regional Planning Commission's (MCRPC) transportation and comprehensive planning processes. The Assistant Planner will help coordinate, prepare, and develop comprehensive plans, transportation programs and other projects under the direction of the Executive Director and other senior MCRPC staff. This position continually pursues, considers, and appropriately implements best practices within the role and maximizes on collaborative opportunities with municipalities and other partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Executive Director and other MCRPC staff in strategic, comprehensive planning, transportation planning, housing initiatives, rural planning and other efforts as needed, including public outreach, research, gathering and analysis of data, attending meetings and preparation of the documents.
• Collects, develops, maintains, and analyzes data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other software in support of all planning activities. Creates maps and other graphic representations for inclusion in the reports.
• Coordinates the agencies outreach efforts to increase the community's awareness of MCRPC and planning related issues, including updating and maintaining MCRPC and other project websites regularly with appropriate information, social media, coordination of the agency newsletters.
• Will provide technical planning services related to transportation, land use planning, rural planning, and GIS to the planning staff, city and county departments, community organizations, governmental units in McLean County, and the general public.
• Carries out assignments related to the implementation of various adopted plans
• Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars to represent MCRPC and keep up to date with current/best planning practices
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Seeks to improve continuously, embraces change and is not afraid to challenge the status quo
• Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; provides vision and inspiration to other employees
• Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results
• Manages difficult or emotional customer (external/internal) situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; fosters quality focus in others; improves process, products, and services
• Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and within budget; manages project team activities
• Understands business implications of decisions; demonstrates knowledge of the Commission's business and competition; aligns work with strategic goals
• Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; writes clearly and concisely
• Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position
• Proactively supports a safety-minded work environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field
• Minimum of one (1) year of internship or professional experience in a planning agency or firm, or related profession
• Experience with GIS and other planning and/or design software
• Experience with MS Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of contemporary planning concepts, principles, and skills developed by both educational training and work experience
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field
• Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience in a planning agency or firm, or related profession
• Superior writing and presentation skills
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Transportation Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Rural Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Planning, and data gathering and analysis.