Employment Opportunity: Land Use Planner

Supervised by: Senior Land Use Planner
Supervises: No supervisory responsibility

General Summary:

Under supervision of Senior Land Use Planner and Land Use Planning Director, carries out planning work using GIS; collects, organizes, analyzes and portrays data necessary for regional planning, assists in the organization of meetings and planning projects including urban design projects.

Essential Job Functions:

Land use planning data - Acquires, through local planning departments, the land use planning division, REGIS and the Blueprint Committee, existing land use, planned land use, zoning, and other pertinent planning information.
Planning computer models and software - Will use ArcView or Arc 9. Will make numerous paper maps. The land use division will use planning computer models such as the INDEX software. The planner will assist other users of the model in the region in the use of the model.
The planner will assist in planning projects in the explanation of products and interactive, public planning exercises.
Planning projects may include urban design charrettes, land preservation, public education, demographic analysis, land use or development plan analysis, and development market analysis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, urban design or related field.
Working knowledge of US Census geography and data.
Thorough knowledge of traditional urban and regional design.
Three years or more experience in the use of ESRI geographic information systems for inventory, analysis and management of land use, natural resources and/ or transportation information.
Familiarity with computer operation, data base programs, spreadsheet programs, and basic statistics.
Ability to adapt to evolving data sources and analytical methods for land use and transportation planning.
Ability to organize and prepare for planning meetings.
Ability to attend meetings at times other than regular business hours.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee must compose and read written and computerized documents, plans and maps. The employee is frequently required to travel to locations within and outside of the County. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions during travel. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council has an opening for a temporary Land Planner Position. This would be a 40 hour per week temporary position with the possibility of working into permanent, depending on performance and funding. Pay commensurate with experience, skill and ability.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, urban design or related field; be new urbanist oriented; and proficient in the use of GIS - ArcInfo or ArcView and various data types.

Additionally, candidates should have a working knowledge of US Census geography and data; a thorough knowledge of traditional urban and regional design; and three or more years experience in the use of ESRI geographic information systems for inventory, analysis and management of land use, natural resources and/or transportation information.

Interested applicants should submit a resume with references no later than 1-15-05 to the address below. EOE.

Human Resources Department
Planner Position
Grand Valley Metropolitan Council
40 Pearl St. NW, Suite 410
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503