Urban Planner jobs in Lancaster, PA

JOB SUMMARY

Planners play a support role in implementing places2040 (the Lancaster County comprehensive plan) and related plans and policies. They assist senior staff in facilitating a countywide and regional approach to land use and transportation planning focused on the big ideas and policies, future land use and transportation map, and catalytic tools in places2040.

Working with senior staff, they are responsible for research and analysis, maintaining records, and supporting development of the department's plans and programs. Planners document existing conditions and trends, forecast change, and research best practices in functional areas of planning practice such as comprehensive planning, growth management, land use, transportation, environment, heritage conservation, placemaking, planning education, civic engagement, and data analysis.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position currently reports to Position # 00500583, Director for Technical Services. Depending on the candidate's skills and the department's needs, the leadership team may assign this position to a different team and director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT, AND UPDATE PLANS - 25%

Work with senior staff to develop and update places2040 and other countywide plans such as the Lancaster County Transportation Plan (connects2040) and the Lancaster Active Transportation Plan.

Contribute to developing and updating plans and programs that implement these countywide plans. Assist senior staff with tasks involving internal/external plan implementation teams.

Help senior staff develop and implement regional and municipal plans and policies consistent with countywide plans.

PROGRAM AND PROJECT ASSISTANCE - 25%

On assigned projects, assist senior staff in accomplishing objectives defined by the leadership team (Executive Director and team leaders). Contribute to meeting the goals of broader programs managed by Principal Planners.

Contribute to the preparation of project scopes of work and requests for proposals for consulting contracts.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND OUTREACH - 25%

Support senior staff in facilitating public, private, and nonprofit partnerships to implement the goals outlined in countywide and regional plans. Help them reach out and provide technical assistance to planning partners.

Assist in preparing for public meetings such as the Lancaster County Planning Commission, the Lancaster Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and related committees. Help senior staff prepare agenda items and ensure that these meetings accomplish goals set by the leadership team.

RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND EDUCATION - 25%

Collect and maintain data and perform analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other tools.

Research best practices in planning and work with senior staff to apply them in Lancaster County.

Assist in preparing advisory reviews of regional and municipal comprehensive plans, studies, ordinances, areawides, subdivision and land development items, and other scopes/studies. Respond to environmental notifications and requests for letters of support.

Work with senior staff to educate Lancaster County Planning Commission members and planning partners on countywide, regional, and municipal plans; functional areas of planning; and/or particular geographical areas within the county.

As it relates to assigned tasks, provide content for the department's website and social media. Participate in updating the website to better suit the department's needs.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Participate in meetings and site visits outside the office as necessary, including before and after scheduled office hours.

As assigned by senior staff, perform other duties related to implementing the department's current work program.

Play an active role in developing and implementing strategies to improve the department's delivery of services, both internally (among other staff) and externally to planning partners. Assist the department in becoming more effective, efficient, and customer friendly.

Be a team player. Work collaboratively and cooperatively with staff, internal and external teams, and planning partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field - or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform this job. Some experience (interships and/or previous employment) in the planning field is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

COMMUNICATION

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), GIS applications, web-based applications, and the basics of data collection and analysis.

PLANNING CONCEPTS

Knowledge of or interest in comprehensive planning, transportation, housing, environment, heritage conservation, placemaking, planning education, civic engagement, and data analysis is desirable.

LEADERSHIP

Ability to work effectively with staff and planning partners to achieve measurable results.

Commitment to taking active responsibility in meeting priorities identified by the leadership team, rather than a passive approach focused narrowly on assigned tasks.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

A valid driver’s license and ability to furnish personal transportation.

Acceptable pre-employment driver history check in accordance with county policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily sedentary in nature. No special physical demands are required.