Planner - Bicycle and Multimodal Transportation Focus

City of Carbondale, Illinois Job Description/Job Opening Announcement Title:

Planner -

Bicycle and Multimodal Transportation Focus Dept/Div:

Community Development/Development Management The City of Carbondale, IL, has an exciting position open in Community Development. We invite innovative talent to join our team and help us advance towards our vision: a welcoming and dynamic community rooted in the Shawnee Hills region, dedicated to the well-being of its residents and enriched by its diverse culture, education, and innovation.

Nature of Work :

This is a regular, full-time professional municipal planning position, with a focus on the City's active transportation networks and programs. Primary responsibilities include interpreting the City's Zoning Ordinance, reviewing site plans, and preparing land use cases for presentation to the Planning Commission. The planner will answer questions from the public regarding the City's development regulations, issue zoning certificates and other development approvals, and work with the public to prepare general development plans for public and private projects. Carbondale is a League of American Bicyclists-recognized Bike-Friendly Community, with miles of dedicated bike infrastructure and an active cycling community. The city has had a dedicated Bicycle Master Plan since 2016 and has hosted e-scooter company VeoRide in partnership with Southern Illinois University (SIU) since 2022. A successful incumbent to this position will fulfill the primary duties of a municipal planner and supplement that work by creatively identifying and addressing multimodal needs of the community through planning, programming, and grant writing.

Primary Duties :

1. Read and interpret City codes and State statutes and explain the provisions to the public orally and in writing. 2. Meet and interact with members of the public and review site plans, zoning proposals, and signs for zoning code compliance. 3. Present reports orally in public meetings, including the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals and City Council. Answer questions raised by attendees and Commission/Board/Councilmembers. 4. Coordinate the micromobility program, including regular communication with contracted micromobility company, City staff, and SIU staff; enforcement and maintenance of the service agreement; monitoring ridership numbers and violation data; updates to City Council as needed. 5. Coordinate implementation, maintenance, and updates of the City's Bicycle Master Plan. 6. Work with Tourism and Events City staff and other community entities to plan bike events throughout the year, and to add bike components to regular events. 7. Manage the City's Bike Friendly Community certification (currently bronze-level) and support the City in pursuing the silver-level designation. 8. Work in close coordination with Public Works staff to identify state and federal grants and apply for bike infrastructure projects as appropriate. 9. Use Bicycle Master Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Bike Friendly Community Report Card, and Complete Streets policy to provide guidance to other departments and City Council regarding transportation and land use decisions. 10. Coordinate and/or represent the city in regional multi-modal efforts, such as the Saluki/Crab Orchard Greenways east-west connection. 11. Work with Public Works and identify funding opportunities to enhance bikeway signage and wayfinding. 12. Interact with other City departments by coordinating interdepartmental development review and assisting in investigating complaints of possible Code violations. 13. Communicate verbally, electronically, and in writing with citizens, developer representatives, state and local officials, etc. 14. Use tact and good judgment and utilize strong and effective interpersonal skills in interacting with co-workers, members of the community, agencies, and organizations; work effectively both independently and as a team member.

Other Duties:

Utilize ArcGIS Store search property information, including ownership and property boundaries. Read professional journals and attend professional meetings to stay up to date on current information in the planning field. Identify funding opportunities and apply for and/or administer state and federal grants. Visit and enter upon construction sites and check for Site Plan compliance by taking measurements and inspecting site work relative to approved plans. Perform statistical and mathematical calculations. Write technical reports that may include maps, sketches, and tables. Performs other duties that are related to the overall operation of the Development Services Department.

Work Environment:

Work is usually performed in an office setting, but may require occasional vehicle operation during the workday and visiting potential development sites in various weather conditions and on various terrains. The incumbent must use Windows-based computers efficiently and effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, Microsoft 365, and PowerPoint, is desired.

Physical Demands:

Work is usually sedentary with occasional walking, reaching, bending, lifting, and carrying objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities. Work requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, to operate personal computers, and to perceive and/or discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture. Meetings frequently occur outside regular office hours. Staff members are compensated for these via comp time or overtime pay.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in City, Urban and/or Regional Planning, or a closely related field, including but not limited to geography, political science, community development, architecture, or landscape architecture. Knowledge of and experience with ArcGIS is highly desired. Ability to research, analyze, and interpret zoning codes and laws. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills. Ability to maintain professional demeanor in high-pressure situations. One year of related experience and/or training. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Experience in land-use planning and multimodal transportation planning is desirable; demonstrated interest in these topics is a must. Familiarity with current multi-modal planning best practices strongly desired. AICP certification or willingness to obtain AICP is desired. Must have or obtain and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license.

City Limit Residency Boundary Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the City of Carbondale, the Planner/Sustainability Coordinator is required to maintain their primary residence within a 20-mile radius of City Hall.

Benefits Include :

Medical/Dental/Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement pension, 457 deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program, 10 days of vacation /12 days of sick leave per year, 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday, Section 125 pretax deductions, Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account Regular, Full-time, Overtime Eligible Salary Range 5 $23.86 - $28.85 ( Salary Commensurate with Experience) Submit completed City of Carbondale Application for Employment and resume to the Human Resources Office, 200 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901. Application and full job description may be obtained at City Hall or printed from the City's website at www.explorecarbondale.com . Apply online or hand-deliver the application to the City of Carbondale. Position is open until it is filled . The City of Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.