Planner III

Planner III

Starting Salary Range: $68,888 – $75,851 annually
Location: Bloomington IL

The McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) is seeking a collaborative and experienced planning professional to join our team as a Planner III. This position III leads and coordinates complex planning initiatives, transportation planning programs, and public engagement efforts while working closely with local governments, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and the public. The Planner III offers the opportunity to help shape the future of transportation, land use, and regional development in McLean County.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate transportation planning activities for MCRPC, including work associated with the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
• Lead administration and coordination of transportation planning programs and federally required planning processes
• Organize and support transportation committees, advisory groups, and public outreach initiatives
• Assist local governments with transportation, community development, and comprehensive planning efforts
• Coordinate projects related to regional public transportation and the Human Services Transportation Plan
• Conduct research, data analysis, and GIS-related planning work
• Develop and manage long-range and special planning projects, including multi-jurisdictional initiatives
• Prepare technical reports, planning documents, and presentations for committees and government officials
• Work collaboratively with municipal partners, community organizations, and transportation agencies
• Monitor and apply federal and state planning regulations and best practices
• Provide oversight and direction to planners and interns as assigned

What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong project management, communication, and analytical skills who thrives in a collaborative public-sector environment.

Candidates should have:

• Extensive knowledge of planning principles, transportation planning, and community development practices
• Experience with GIS and planning-related software and database management tools
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage projects, timelines, and multiple stakeholders
• Ability to build positive working relationships with government agencies, community groups, and the public
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local planning regulations and policies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field
• Four (4) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, land use planning, community planning, or a related field
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position primarily involves sedentary office work in a professional work environment. Duties may include attending meetings, presentations, workshops, and community engagement events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Join MCRPC?
MCRPC offers the opportunity to work on impactful regional planning initiatives that shape transportation, community development, and quality of life throughout McLean County. Join a collaborative team committed to innovative planning, public engagement, and regional partnerships.

Benefits Package
McLean County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Medical Member Rewards Program
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Spending Account (DSA)
• Supplemental Insurance: Life, Critical Illness and Accident
• County provided Life Insurance
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF Pension)
• Paid time off: vacation days, personal days, sick days, holidays
• Identity Protection
• Charitable Giving
• Employee Assistance Program
• Full salary range: $68,888.57 – $106,026.55 hourly (upper range based on long term career with McLean County)