Planner / Senior Planner

Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STC) is growing and seeking a Planner / Senior Planner to work on a diverse portfolio of regional planning, economic, and environmental initiatives across a three-county region. This position offers flexibility to hire at either the Planner or Senior Planner level, depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capacity.

This is a unique opportunity to work at a regional planning board providing hands-on technical assistance, training, and professional planning support to local governments and partner organizations. The position includes a strong focus on environmental and water-related planning, including climate adaptation and mitigation, watershed protection, development review, and grant-funded programs, as well as regional initiatives such as transportation and housing.

This is a full-time civil service position. Planner-level positions are approved under New York State’s HELPs program (no civil service exam required at this time). Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average of two per month).

Expected Salary Range: $55,000–$75,000

About the Role

STC seeks a motivated planning professional with an interest in land use and environmental planning. Depending on level, the position may involve leading projects independently, mentoring junior staff, helping set work priorities, and providing technical expertise in focus areas such as environmental planning, transportation networks, housing, development and rehabilitation as well as development review.

Independent judgment is encouraged in carrying out work assignments. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, as the position requires frequent interaction with municipal officials, boards, agencies, elected officials, and the public.

STC is particularly interested in candidates with experience or interest in:

• Climate Adaptation and Mitigation (e.g. supporting communities through the NYS Climate Smart Communities initiative)
• Environmental and Water Resource Planning
• Watershed Management
• Housing Rehabilitation and related programs, such as Community Development Block grants (i.e., Single Family Home Rehabilitation, infrastructure in support of existing housing, etc.)
• Regional Transportation Networks, Planning, and Development
• Grant Writing and Grant Administration
• Community and Economic Development Project Management
• Development and Land Use Review
• GIS Applications

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Depending on position level, duties may include:

• Serve as a Climate Smart Communities regional coordinator for program outreach and assist communities with implementation
• Prepare, lead, and/or contribute to comprehensive plans
• Draft and revise zoning laws and land-use regulations
• Review of planning board and zoning board applications
• Conduct professional reviews of development proposals
• Provide training and technical assistance to municipal officials and boards
• Participate in meetings, seminars, conferences, and interagency coordination at the local, state, and federal levels
• Prepare reports and technical deliverables associated with grant-funded projects
• Conduct planning and environmental studies for municipalities and regional initiatives
• Serve as a flood mitigation and water resource planning specialist
• Assist with or lead grant writing, administration, and compliance
• Collect, analyze, and interpret planning, environmental, and spatial data
• Develop GIS products including maps and story maps
• Prepare and deliver presentations to committees, boards, and local legislatures
• Utilize Microsoft Office and other relevant professional tools
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines using Project Management skills
• Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• For Senior Planner level: provide guidance, mentoring, and leadership to junior planning staff and assist with project prioritization and coordination

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications include: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in planning (e.g. urban, community, regional, etc.), urban and regional studies, environmental studies, geography, public administration, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant professional experience of one or more years.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Experience, Knowledge of and Interest in climate resiliency planning, environmental planning, watershed planning, regional transportation networks and planning, housing rehabilitation, or land-use planning.
• Grant writing, administration, and reporting experience including financial reporting and expenditures.
• Development and land use review experience. Working knowledge of New York State procedures, planning board best practices and Zoning law review.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial review. Including keeping track of grant expenditures and time allocations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional Specialized Qualifications

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and/or association with ASFPM
• AICP Certification
• GIS / ArcGIS experience

Work Environment at STC

STC is a small, friendly team of professionals who work closely together to meet the needs of our region. Our collaborative office environment provides a flexible 35-hour work week and extensive benefits such as NYS Retirement System, 457 plans and platinum-level health insurance. While staff generally report to the office daily, regular travel throughout the region and occasional night meetings can also be expected. Policies allowing for a 4-day work week exist and an accommodating family-friendly flexible schedule is allowed.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting a resume, relevant work samples and a cover letter to: Chelsea Robertson, Executive Director at crobertson@stcplanning.org.