JOB DESCRIPTION

About HCPC

The Hancock County Planning Commission (HCPC) is seeking a Regional Planner. HCPC provides regional planning services to thirty-seven towns in Hancock County, Maine. Services include comprehensive planning, land use, transportation, environmental, community development and other services.

About This Role

HCPC seeks a Regional Planner with strong GIS capability and experience in environmental, natural resource, and land use planning. This position focuses on environmental and land use work while supporting GIS needs across a range of planning projects. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, and brings both attention to detail and big-picture thinking to their work.. Work is performed under the general direction of the Executive Director.

Salary Range: $55,000 to $65,000 depending on education and experience

Position Type: Full Time. Hybrid-Remote Work Flexible with at least two days a week in office and in-person municipal meetings as needed.

To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Andi Porter, aporter@hcpcme.org.

Applications will be accepted through March 31st. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises and participates in various planning projects such as: Comprehensive Plans, Transportation Plans, Housing Assessments, and Environmental and Resilience Plans.
• Produces original land use maps and other graphic materials..
• Draft and review local ordinances and regulations.
• Conduct specialized planning research.
• Prepare and deliver public presentations.
• Provide technical assistance and training coordination to municipal officials.
• Develop funding proposals for future work and administer funded programs.
• Communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with internal staff, local and regional groups, and governmental agencies.
• Attend regular meetings of the Commission as required.
• Attend meetings of local, regional, and state groups and committees, planning seminars, and conferences. This includes evening meetings.

Desired Knowledge

• Knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, particularly land use planning or environmental planning.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge and ability to apply statistics to regional planning including demography, economics and geography.
• Skilled in GIS programs and applications such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and database management applications.
• Ability to create graphic designs.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes.
• Experience in writing and managing grants.

Desired Skills

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various groups.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, geography, natural resources, public policy, or a related field, plus at least one year of planning experience that includes hands-on use of GIS software. A master's degree is preferred. Relevant work experience may substitute for education.

GIS: Demonstrated experience using GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS for spatial data analysis and visualization is required. GISP certification is desirable.

Planning: AICP certification or eligibility is preferred.

BENEFITS

HCPC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, a flexible work schedule, three weeks of vacation, two weeks of personal time, and five days of paid professional development annually.