Careers

Community Planner

The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Community Planner within its Planning & Government Services (PGS) Division. The Community Planner is primarily responsible for assisting in local and regional efforts related to community planning and development.

The ideal candidate will have experience in local and regional planning, including Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requirements, public engagement best practices, GIS experience, and preparation of planning documents and supporting graphics.  They will also have knowledge of state and federal programs that support community development and planning efforts at the local and regional levels. Educational or professional experience in planning, community development, and/or downtown development is a must.  This position also requires an ability to prepare and administer grant applications, perform research, assist with various forms of community engagement, and support the Senior Community Planner and other PGS staff in ensuring accomplishment of state and federal contract requirements.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, public administration, landscape architecture, or similar area of study
• 2-4 years of related work experience in community development and planning, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Demonstrated research and analytical experience
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to prepare and make public presentations in a variety of local government settings
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
• Ability to independently manage projects
• Effective in working directly with elected officials, local government staff, and community stakeholders

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in City and/or Regional Planning, Public Administration or Policy, or related field
• Experience with Esri and Adobe products and ability to create and edit GIS data, maps, and other graphics to support planning and community development efforts
• Educational or professional experience in environmental planning, bicycle and pedestrian planning, and other short- and long-range planning related to sustainability
• Grant writing and administration experience
• AICP certification

Examples of Community Planner Duties:

• Assist with administration and implementation of contracts and grants between the NEGRC and federal and state entities, including the Georgia Departments of Community Affairs (DCA) and Transportation (GDOT).
• Assist in administering community development and planning programs and services to local governments and stakeholder groups.
• Assist in preparing regional and local comprehensive plans, specialized plans, and studies.
• Assist with facilitation and administration of stakeholder groups involved in economic development, strategic planning, local-government retreats, and related efforts (ex. Georgia Main Street managers, Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, and the Northeast Georgia Regional Solid Waste Management Authority).
• Assist local government staff and officials in developing state and/or federal grant applications (including guidance for procurement requirements); provide grant administration assistance for funded projects.
• Prepare public communications and distribute to local governments, stakeholder groups, and the public through electronic, voice, and written means.
• Respond to questions and conduct follow-up research on state and federal programs.
• Assist local governments with Policy Analysis.
• Attend workshops and trainings for professional development.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Perform related duties as required.

This position will initially report to the NEGRC’s Director of Planning & Government Services. The range for starting, annual salary is $42,000-$53,000 based on experience and qualifications. A competitive benefits package is provided.

To Apply:

Send a complete resume and cover letter to: Joyce Okoth, PGS Program Assistant, at pgsassist@negrc.org.

Applications can also be mailed to: NEGRC, Attn:  Joyce Okoth, PGS Program Assistant, 305 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30605-2795

Review of received resumes will begin on September 9, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. No telephone inquiries accepted. The NEGRC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.