Planner (Local Government Policy Specialist)

Salary: $64,959.00 - $98,661.00 Annually
Location : Allegheny County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: NSL-2023-70019
Department: SL Department of Community & Economic Development
Division: CE Gov Ctr Lcl Govt Srvs
Opening Date: 11/28/2023
Closing Date: 12/2/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 16860
Position Number: 00232214
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: A3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00240050
Bureau / Division: Governor's Center for Local Government Services
Worksite Address: 301 5th Avenue
Worksite Address: Suite 250
City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15222
Contact Name: DCED HR Office
Contact Email: ra-dchractions@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The person in this role, while called a "Local Government Planning Specialist," is essentially an urban or regional planner. The position is a direct link between commonwealth communities and the Department's Planning Office, advising communities in areas of land use planning, intergovernmental cooperation, grant administration, and community and economic development initiatives. Planners will have frontline influence on the mission of the Department of Community and Economic Development and will be relied upon to encourage the shared prosperity of all Pennsylvanians by supporting good stewardship and sustainable development across our commonwealth. Planners are expected to exercise a keen eye toward diversity and inclusiveness, training, and financial resources to help our communities and industries thrive.
If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity where you can make a real difference in the lives of others, apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The Local Government Planning Specialist, as a valuable member within the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), plays a crucial role in the creation of comprehensive and actionable plans. With a specific focus on land use and intergovernmental cooperation, this specialist is responsible for developing strategic plans that encompass infrastructure development and ensure effective collaboration between various government entities. The position entailed a diverse range of tasks, encompassing but not limited to:

• Managing the financial and administrative consultative services program for Local Governments in the areas of land use planning and coordinates efforts with other Planning Specialists.
• Reviewing and editing consultative reports and correspondence prepared by staff for consistency in policy.
• Identifying community needs and develop short- and long-term solutions to improve and revitalize communities and areas. As an area grows or changes, planners help communities manage the related economic, social, and environmental issues.
• Working with state and local officials, community members, and other groups to identify community issues and goals. Through research, data analysis, and collaboration with interest groups, they formulate strategies to address issues and to meet goals. Planners may also help carry out community plans by overseeing projects and organizing the work of the groups involved.
• Conducting projects involving research, publication development and revision, education and training, and program evaluation in land use that make comprehensive, implementable, infrastructure, and strategic plans operable and measurable.
• Participating in delivery of the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) which funds Local Governments to develop shared service and community plans. Responsibilities include assisting with development and/or revision of program guidelines, account management, application review, funding recommendations, contract administration, project monitoring and closeout.
• Analyzing Federal and State legislation and regulations to assess their impact upon Local Governments; and suggest and develop recommendations to revise existing legislation, regulations and guidelines or propose new legislative initiatives on Local Government issues in conjunction with the DCED Policy and Legislative Offices.
• Representing the Planning Office at conferences and events. Addressing Local Government officials, Local Government associations, public and private agencies, regional and state associations, and educational institutions on planning and Local Government related topics upon request.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pittsburgh.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six years of highly responsible professional experience involved in local or regional governmental affairs as a consultant, manager, administrator, planner or governmental official; and a Bachelor's Degree; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Graduate study in Public Administration, Political Science or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-to-year basis for a maximum of two years.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Green, Fayette, and Somerset as this position is headquartered in Pittsburgh.
  
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will notbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and Local Government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How much full-time professional experience do you possess in local or regional governmental affairs as a consultant, manager, administrator, planner, or government official?

• 6 years or more
• 5 but less than 6 years
• 4 but less than 5 years
• Less than 4 years
• None

02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
How much graduate coursework in public administration, political science, or a closely related field have you completed? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• 60 credits or more
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

04
Additional Requirement:Candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Green, Fayette, and Somerset. Do you reside in one of these counties?

• Yes
• No

Required Question