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COUNTY OF BERKS Planner II (Planning Commission Department) in READING, Pennsylvania

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Planner II provides professional planning services and technical assistance for municipal and county planning purposes on projects and programs that implement the County's Comprehensive plan. The Planner II will play a pivotal role in utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to support strategic planning and decision-making processes. The Planner II will provide support to the GIS analyst in maintaining the BCPC GIS database.  The Planner II is distinguished from a Planner I by the size, complexity, creative demands, and the independent performance required of an assigned project. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

  1. Communicate the plans, policies and programs of the Planning Commission to the County Commissioners, State agencies, local government, organizations and the general public.  Acts as the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners representative on task forces and committees. 
  2. Assist with the production of maps, plans, graphics, and computer graphic displays as needed.
  3. Have working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.
  4. Assist with the maintenance of GIS data layers and databases for geographic features commonly used by a regional planning agency.  
  5. Collaborates with the GIS analyst, to gather, analyze and integrate spatial data to display the information using GIS.
  6. In coordination with the GIS Analyst, compile geographic data from a variety of sources including but not limited too aerial imagery, field observations, state, federal and municipal data layers. 
  7. In coordination with the GIS Analyst, and other staff members, assist in the development and maintenance of web based interactive mapping and GIS products.
  8. Completes technical reviews of municipal zoning ordinance amendments and subdivision and land development plans as needed in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code.
  9. Present at Planning Commission board meetings and other public meetings to inform people of activities, issues, and trends within the County.
  10. Serve on in-house project teams, as needed
  11. Conducts field work, including but not limited to land use surveys and face-to-face interviews.
  12. Under direction, prepares grant applications, grant accounting and progress reporting.
  13. Conducts research for specific planning projects by using, the internet, interviews, and telephone surveys.
  14. Collaborate with planning partners to address planning issues facing the county.
  15. Attend and participate in professional conferences and seminars and review professional literature to remain up to date on current planning issues.
  16. Handle requests for information over the telephone, via email or from persons visiting the office.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's Degree of recognized standing with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Cartography, land use or environmental planning or closely related field. 
  • Must have three (3) years' experience with a Bachelor's Degree with regional and environmental planning issues 
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of land use planning.
  • Advanced computer literacy including ability to use standard personal computer and office software, spreadsheet programs, desktop publishing software, and GIS software.
  • Proficient in cartographic skills, adept at creating accurate and visually compelling maps through the application of GIS software, data analysis, and keen attention to detail. 
  • Good working knowledge of research techniques and reporting methods.  Ability to prepare questionnaires and surveys. 
  • Ability to compile technical information and prepare technical reports. 
  • Ability to ma e effective oral presentations.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly and concisely with coworkers, developers, public officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to perform work with only general instructions from the Executive Director and Assistant Director.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
  • Ability to facilitate meetings and group discussions effectively in a public forum.
  • Thorough knowledge of local government operations and services.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrates creative approaches to planning and specialized issues that require a combination of knowledge, independent judgment, and experience. 
  • Must be able to work diplomatically and within the limits of County policy.
  • Ability to work under deadlines.
  • Ability to handle stress.
  • Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The position involves occasional attendance at off-site evening meetings, periodic overnight travel, and periodic weekend meetings.  The working environment will also include occasional field work that is commonly associated with the planning profession such as site reviews, confirmation, and mapping of environmental features at remote locations within the County, monitoring traffic conditions, and completing existing land use surveys.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

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