County Planner I

Salary: $53,966.00 - $62,060.00 Annually
Location : Norristown, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 23-573
Department: Planning Commission
Opening Date: 12/06/2023
SUMMARY
This position will engage with the pressing problems facing Montgomery County's present and future using data, public engagement, and collaboration to write policy, present recommendations, and help to move the county into a better future.
A County Planner I performs various professional planning tasks including the analysis of land use(s), housing, and data, subdivision and land development plan reviews, and general planning agency support.
ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

• A well-regarded agency providing guidance to the county's 62 municipalities;
• A leader in planning in Pennsylvania, with skill sharing, regional collaboration, and professional development opportunities with and for other planners and municipal leaders in the county and beyond;
• A facilitator of planning and land use collaboration across municipal boundaries;
• A work environment that is collaborative, with colleagues across departments who support and assist each other with plans and projects;
• Ample opportunities for professional development and abundant internal support and opportunities for growth;
• Committed to integrating equity, sustainability, and opportunity into planning work;)
• Opportunities to work with and plan for a diverse landscape of rural, suburban, small town, and urban locations and job centers;
• Compensatory time for evening or weekend events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct demographic studies and analysis;
• Communicate data and information to colleagues, boards, and the public;
• Research planning topics and draft policy, regulations, or best practice recommendations;
• Collaborate with both MCPC staff and other county departments to produce attractive plans, studies, reports, and other planning- related documents, in particular the county's comprehensive plan;
• Review and provide recommendations on land development proposals;
• Facilitate and/or participate in internal and public meetings as well as outreach events (including on evenings or weekends as needed);
• Have technical knowledge in land use, housing, transportation, open space, trails, environmental, demographics, landscape design, zoning, planning law, and/or related subjects;
• Assist with the administration of funding programs under the auspices of MCPC;
• Represent the Planning Commission within other professional, service, and community
• organizations and provide them with analysis on county-wide trends in demographics and developments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential and specific duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in the position;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills including public speaking;
• Analytical, organizational, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and organize information;
• Strong organizational skills and time management;
• Knowledge of essential professional office computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and presentations; knowledge of or the ability to learn geographic information system (GIS) functions and other software for planning work
• Have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. Walking is required in field conditions with uneven terrain to perform site visits, acquire information, and perform inspections or to attend meetings. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel objects. The employee is also required to kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
The employee must be able to drive to various locations during the day or night and attend meetings that may last several hours.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
TO APPLY ONLINE: Go to ; fill out the application form under the job posting.