JOB DESCRIPTION

Urban Planner II (AICP)

Department: Community Planning & Design
Location: Madison County, Indiana
Salary: $65,000–$75,000 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Help Shape the Future of Communities

Heartland MPO is seeking an experienced, creative, and collaborative AICP-certified Planner to join our Community Planning & Design team.

This position plays a key role in helping communities throughout Madison County and the surrounding region envision and implement long-range planning initiatives that enhance quality of life. The successful candidate will work closely with local governments, elected officials, residents, and community stakeholders to develop innovative, practical planning solutions.

This position reports directly to John Lavine, PLA, Manager of Community Planning & Design.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field. 

• AICP Certification (preferred).

• Three to five years of professional planning experience.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines and budgets.

• Excellent written, verbal, graphic, and public presentation skills.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the region.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Indiana communities and local governments.

• Familiarity with Madison County and surrounding communities.

• Familiarity with Planning Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, Redevelopment Commissions, elected officials, and advisory committees.

• Knowledge of Indiana planning statutes and local government procedures.

Technical Skills 

• Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) 

• ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online 

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 

• Graphic design and publication layout 

• Story Maps and web-based public engagement tools 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead and support comprehensive plans, park and recreation master plans, corridor studies, downtown revitalization plans, trail and greenway plans, housing studies, and other long-range planning initiatives. 

• Prepare professional reports, maps, graphics, presentations, and planning documents. 

• Conduct demographic, land use, transportation, housing, parks, GIS, and economic development analyses. 

• Coordinate public workshops, open houses, stakeholder meetings, steering committee meetings, and public engagement activities. 

• Present recommendations before planning commissions, elected officials, boards, and community organizations. 

• Coordinate with engineers, landscape architects, transportation planners, economic development organizations, and other project partners. 

• Assist communities with implementation strategies, grant applications, and funding opportunities. 

• Manage project schedules, budgets, scopes of work, and consultant coordination. 

• Stay current on planning best practices, state and federal programs, and emerging planning trends. 

Work Schedule & Benefits 

• 35-hour work week 

• Hybrid work schedule 

• Paid Vacation Leave 

• Sick Time 

• Compensatory time for approved work beyond the standard schedule 

• Competitive contribution to PERF Public Employee Retirement Fund 

• Professional development and conference opportunities 

• Continuing education support 

• Collaborative and creative work environment 

• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects that directly improve communities throughout the region 

Occasional evening meetings and public engagement events are required. 

Ideal Candidate 

• Passionate about building stronger communities. 

• Creative, practical, and solution-oriented. 

• Enjoys collaborating with residents, elected officials, and community leaders. 

• Exceptional graphic communication, mapping, and storytelling abilities. 

• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented. 

• Takes ownership of projects from concept through implementation. 

• Thrives in a collaborative team environment. 

• Wants to make a lasting impact on communities across Central Indiana. 

To Apply 

Please submit: 

• Cover letter 

• Resume

• Portfolio or work samples (planning documents, graphics, maps, or presentations)

• Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.