POSITION CLASSIFICATION: PLANNER JOB TITLE: PLANNER; REGIONAL PLANNER; TRANSPORTATION PLANNER DEFINITION: Planner is a professional, entry-level position. The Planner works under the direction of the program director or other supervisor to which the professional is assigned. The Planner is responsible for conducting assigned planning projects or studies, providing technical assistance to local officials and staff and to the general public, and carrying out other tasks related to the position. The Planner is required to exercise initiative and judgement in executing tasks. The supervisor reviews the Planner=s work performance through periodic staff meetings, project status reports, and review of reports, plans, applications or other documents the Planner produces. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): Collects data and other information needed to prepare planning studies and reports. Prepares written analysis of data and other information gathered for planning studies and reports. Provides staff support for the Calhoun Area MPO or the East Alabama RPO. Prepares reports, studies, and other documents required by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Prepares and submits grant applications and manages some of the grants that are funded. Attends city council, county commission, and other public meetings to gather information or to present study results. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practice of urban and regional planning. Working knowledge of research methods and practices used in preparing planning studies. Ability to apply professional planning principles and methods to assigned projects. Some knowledge of public administration with emphasis on municipal and county administration. Ability to perform routine and advanced planning work, with some supervision.
Working knowledge of project development. Working knowledge of planning document preparation. Working knowledge of the different categories of grant-in-aid programs and the management of those programs. Ability to prepare and submit grant applications and to manage funded grants, with some supervision. Proficiency in using MS Office applications and other computer software related to the field. Some knowledge of cartography, geographic information systems, and the design work associated with mapping. Ability to present ideas and technical material clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, local officials and staff, and the public. Ability to drive an automobile, possession of a valid driver=s license, and ability to meet the criteria for authorization to drive Commission vehicles, as established by the Commission=s motor vehicle insurance carrier. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Master=s degree from a program in Urban and Regional Planning accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, with some experience working in the field of urban and regional planning desired, or equivalent education and experience.