Senior Planner at Merced County Association of Governments in Merced, California

Job Description:

DEFINITION:
Under direction, coordinates, plans, leads, and participates in the regional planning process; manages and administers specified plans, programs, and special projects; works closely with the Director of Planning and Programming and the Executive Director to formulate, organize, and implement various planning functions; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level class responsible for the development of assigned programs. The incumbent also has responsibility for leading and assisting in the work of assigned planning staff. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Associate Planner in that the Senior Planner is often a project or program lead, including administrative and budgetary duties, and may supervise other staff and consultants.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives direction from the Director of Planning and Programming. Exercises technical and functional supervision over lower-level planning staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

· Plans, organizes, and performs complex professional regional planning work, including planning and program administration; develops, manages, and administers planning programs; develops project agreements; prepares maps, graphs, models, grant applications and reports; participates in and serves as a lead on assigned special studies and projects; plans the work of and manages assigned planning staff.

· 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 MCAG's purview; ensures that project requirements are met; meets and consults with governmental officials on planning related matters; communicates and coordinates with other departments and outside agencies.

· Participates and leads in the development and maintenance of the Regional Transportation Plan, Federal Transportation Improvement Program, and other major documents; makes recommendations on planning policies, procedures, and programs; develops proposals for and coordinates new programs and methods for accomplishing planning goals with the Director of Planning and Programming and Executive Director.

· Prepares complex staff reports, plans, proposals, strategies, and other documents; researches, analyzes and presents policy-level information and data; makes public presentations on planning projects and programs; engages in public engagement activities/public speaking; represents MCAG in various local, regional, and statewide forums.

· Participates and leads transportation and related planning studies; works directly with and oversees the activities of consultants; develops, implements and monitors federal and state long term planning documents; manages funding allocations for assigned program areas; coordinates and implements environmental review procedures; develops both short- and long-range transportation plans; performs or oversees the work of staff 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; responds to complex questions and concerns from member agencies, outside agencies, and the general public; serves as project lead on plans, projects, and programs as assigned.

· Establishes performance goals for staff under supervision; assists in training of personnel; assumes responsibility for motivating and evaluating assigned personnel; confers with Director of Planning and Programming to initiate disciplinary procedures as appropriate.

· Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community-based organizations, other agencies, MCAG management and staff, and the public.

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. 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. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

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 a Senior Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of three years of experience in regional/municipal planning, 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.

License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and techniques of developing, implementing, and maintaining urban and regional transportation plans and projects; statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of transportation planning documents and funding requests; techniques and processes involved in the preparation and implementation of long range plans; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; public speaking; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:
Perform and oversee regional transportation projects and programs; apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the transportation planning process; analyze complex data and prepare concise, clear, and effective reports and recommendations; make public presentations; plan, organize, train, evaluate, and direct work of assigned staff; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and independently follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; make presentations; attend events outside of typical working hours as required and overnight travel as needed; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:
Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and variety of software applications.