Planning Analyst - Office of Smart Growth
CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Research Analyst I
POSITION TITLE: Planning Analyst - Office of Smart Growth #07-02
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a professional entry-level position in the development of regional land use plans, planning outreach, and related planning work. The position will be responsible for conducting and assisting in research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, writing, presentations, and coordination with stakeholders for a wide variety of comprehensive planning activities and technical studies related to such topics as smart growth, economic development, environmental planning, urban design, land use, housing, and transportation (such as transit-oriented development and corridor planning).
This position will be located in the Office of Smart Growth, with some duties assigned in the Corridor Planning, Economic Development, and Environmental Planning Offices, as needed. Work is performed in accordance with broadly defined objectives and professional standards with the opportunity for independent judgment, subject to administrative and technical review by higher level supervisors during progress and upon completion. Supervision may be exercised over interns, technical and clerical personnel. Coordination with DVRPC staff, other public agencies, non-profit organizations, the business community, and the public is integral to this position. Position will also involve presentations to DVRPC committees, municipalities, and the public.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Collects data through research, outreach, surveys, and field visits
-
Assists with the coordination of study advisory committees for the preparation of studies and plans.
-
Analyzes and integrates research and helps synthesize results by writing report sections and preparing maps, charts and other graphics as working tools and for presentation
-
Presents study and research results to public and private sector representatives and DVPRC committees.
-
Participates in larger DVRPC projects to assist integrating smart growth, environmental, and economic development perspectives.
-
Performs related work, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of community and regional planning.
-
Knowledge and interest in economic development, housing, transportation, urban design, smart growth, and environmental planning (open space, farmland, land preservation, etc).
-
Knowledge of standard statistical techniques and research methodology, and ability to process and analyze data.
-
Ability to work independently with pertinent supervision to secure and analyze facts through research, interviewing and investigation; to prepare alternatives, think creatively, and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
-
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with associates, planning officials and the general public, and work in teams.
-
Ability to prepare and present results of research effectively in oral, written and graphic form. Must be detail-oriented and a strong writer.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Master’s degree in city or regional planning or related field is preferred; or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Internship or similar work experience desirable.
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Funding for this position is currently available for a two year period, with the option for continuation of the position based on agency funding.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Office of Smart Growth prepares studies and research on a wide variety of topics, including strategies for older suburbs, curbing sprawl, transit-oriented development, zoning, environmental justice, traffic calming, multi-municipal cooperation, and reuse of brownfields, among others. Environmental Planning develops environmental planning tools such as environmental resource inventories, open space plans, farmland preservation plans, and environmental protection ordinances, often for specific municipalities under contract with DVRPC. Economic Development focuses its work on linking economic development strategies to regional land use and transportation goals and on promoting sustainable development through education and outreach. Corridor Planning develops numerous multi-municipal corridor plans, working closely with the affected municipalities and state departments of transportation.