JOB DESCRIPTION PLANNER II / ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission Salary:

$61,800-$64,800

Position Type:

Full-Time Department:

Planning Division Reports To:

Deputy Director Location:

Shreveport, Louisiana

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SHREVEPORT

The Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) is seeking a motivated and talented Planner II / Associate Planner to join our Planning Division. This is an opportunity for a professional planner who wants to do more than review applications. The Planner II will help shape the future of Shreveport and Caddo Parish through development review, community planning, Master Plan implementation, research, and direct interaction with residents, developers, businesses, and community organizations. At the MPC, we believe that good planning should help our community grow, encourage investment, protect neighborhoods, and create opportunities for people and businesses. We are looking for someone who shares that philosophy and wants to be part of a professional, collaborative team working to move Shreveport forward.

THE POSITION

The Planner II is a professional planning position with increasing responsibility and the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in areas such as: Land use and zoning. Comprehensive and long-range planning Economic development Community and neighborhood planning Development review Urban design Transportation planning Historic preservation Environmental planning Affordable housing The Planner II will primarily be responsible for the intake, review, and processing of development applications presented to the MPC Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Caddo Parish Planning and Zoning Commission. The position will also review site development plans and assist with a variety of long-range and community planning initiatives associated with implementation of the One Shreveport Master Plan . This position provides an excellent opportunity to work on both day-to-day development activity and the long-term planning initiatives that will shape our community.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The successful candidate will: Review development proposals, site plans, rezonings, special use permits, variances, ordinance amendments, and other land-use applications. Prepare professional staff reports and recommendations for consideration by MPC boards and commissions. Interpret and apply applicable City, Parish, and state laws, ordinances, regulations, and development standards. Participate in pre-application conferences and work with applicants to identify and resolve development issues. Coordinate with GIS staff and other agencies to prepare maps, data, and other information necessary for development review. Conduct research, field evaluations, and analysis related to planning and development issues. Provide clear and professional information to residents, property owners, developers, businesses, and other customers. Help identify regulatory issues and opportunities to facilitate appropriate development. Assist with comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, and implementation of the One Shreveport Master Plan. Work with community organizations, government agencies, developers, elected officials, and other stakeholders on planning initiatives. Assist in developing and updating planning policies, ordinances, and development regulations. Identify community problems and opportunities that can be addressed through better planning. Develop strategies that support economic development, community development, and efficient land use consistent with community goals. Manage multiple assignments while meeting established deadlines. Attend evening and occasional weekend meetings as required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who combines professional planning knowledge with strong communication, problem-solving, and customer-service skills. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, GIS, public policy, or a related field. Three years of professional planning experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience conducting research and preparing professional reports. Ability to interpret and apply planning regulations and development codes. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team. Preferred Qualifications AICP certification or eligibility to obtain AICP certification. Experience in a governmental planning organization. Experience with zoning and development review. Experience with GIS and Microsoft Office applications. Experience with community engagement or neighborhood planning. Experience in one or more specialized planning areas such as economic development, comprehensive planning, land use, transportation, urban design, historic preservation, or affordable housing.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be: A Planner who thinks beyond the application. You understand that every development decision contributes to the larger community. A problem solver. You can interpret regulations while looking for practical solutions that accomplish legitimate community and development objectives. A communicator. You can explain complex planning concepts and regulations clearly to residents, applicants, boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders. A team player. You enjoy working with colleagues from different professional disciplines and understand that the best results come from working together. A professional. You demonstrate respect, responsiveness, sound judgment, and professionalism in every interaction. A lifelong learner. You are interested in developing your planning expertise and taking on increasingly complex assignments.

WHY JOIN THE MPC?

The Shreveport-Caddo MPC is entering an important period of growth and modernization. Our work includes implementation of the One Shreveport Master Plan , modernization of development regulations, neighborhood planning, economic development initiatives, and efforts to make the development process more predictable, understandable, and responsive. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced planners and professionals while gaining exposure to a broad range of planning issues. Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to help shape the future of Shreveport and Caddo Parish.

OUR TEAM

We believe in a workplace where: Together, Everyone Achieves More. Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged. Employees are trusted with meaningful responsibilities. Ideas and innovative approaches are welcomed. Public service and customer service are equally important. Staff are encouraged to solve problems rather than simply identify them. Everyone is treated with respect and professionalism. APPLY If you are a professional planner who wants to contribute to the future of Shreveport and Caddo Parish, we encourage you to apply. Submit a letter of interest, resume and at least 3 professional references to Myldred Ingram (Myldred.ingram@shreveportla.gov). Position will remain open until filled.

BENEFITS

Health insurance with a modest employee contribution plus enrollment in the employee retirement system