Associate Planner

Associate Planner

Definition

Under general supervision, performs complex professional-level transportation planning work; gathers, analyzing, and manages data; prepares and administers transportation plans and programs; coordinates and serves as a lead for special projects; performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Associate Planner is the journey level class in the professional planning series. Positions in this classification exercise significant independence in determining work methods and procedures. Supervisory instructions typically do not provide all the information needed to complete the assignments, requiring incumbents to apply sound judgement and rely on established precedents to resolve most issues. Matters involving the creation of new procedures or solutions that deviate from existing policies are referred to the supervisor. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Assistant Planner by the assignment of more complex duties and lead supervisory responsibilities for specific programs and projects.

Supervision Received/Exercised

Receives general supervision from the Director of Planning and Programming or other senior planning staff depending on assignment. Incumbents in this classification do not routinely exercise supervision but serve in a lead capacity for specific projects, programs, and committees.

Essential Functions (include but are not limited to the following)

• Performs complex professional-level transportation planning work and program administration; prepares and administers transportation plans and programs; gathers, analyzes, and manages data; assists in the development of project agreements; prepares maps, graphs, models, grant applications and reports; participates in and serves as a lead on assigned special studies and projects.
• Provides information and assistance to member agencies, outside agencies, and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation planning and other content within the purview of Merced County Association of Governments ( MCAG); ensures transportation plan and project requirements are met; communicates and coordinates with other departments and outside agencies.
• Prepares staff reports, resolutions, proposals, grant applications, letters, public hearing notices, and environmental review documents; collects and analyzes complex data for special reports and projects; engages in and public engagement activities/public speaking; represents MCAG in various local, regional, and statewide forums.
• Transportation: Participates in and leads transportation and related planning studies; assists in the development, implementation, and monitoring of federal and state long term planning documents; manages funding allocations for assigned program areas; coordinates and implements environmental review procedures; performs planning and funding research; works directly with and oversees the activities of consultants; assists in the development of both short and long range transportation plans; assists in travel demand and air quality modeling and processes.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, best practices, and work methods associated with assigned duties; serves as project coordinator or team leader on specific projects; aids training for less experienced planning staff; responds to the more complex questions and concerns from member agencies, outside agencies, and the public.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community-based organizations, other agencies, MCAG management and staff, and the public; manages and conducts public and committee meetings.

Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions

• Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near vision in reading correspondence and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles.
• Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
• Qualifications (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for an Associate Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of two years of experience in regional/municipal planning or grant administration, and a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, or related field. A wide variety of bachelor’s degrees can contribute to planning work; many degree types will qualify. Graduate work may be substituted for one year of experience.

Should the ideal candidate lack the full scope of required experience, we are open to hiring at the Assistant Planner level.