Senior Planner, Dona Ana County, New Mexico - Las Cruces, NM

Job Title:	Senior Planner
Closing Date/Time:	Fri. 08/16/13 11:59 PM Mountain Time
Salary:	$38,480.00 - $60,756.80 Annually
Job Type:	Regular Full-time
Location:	Doña Ana County Government Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Department:	Community Development
FLSA:	Exempt position, not eligible for overtime compensation.

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Job Summary  Benefits  Supplemental Questions
Under the direction of the Chief Planner – Advance Planning, performs professional comprehensive planning and other long and medium range planning as outlined through the county’s ordinances, regulations, policies and work program.
Essential Duties:
•      Assist with the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan for Sustainable Development; Oversee/assist with the preparation of sub-area plans including: Coloñias Master Plans; neighborhood plans; business district development; transportation/corridor plans; transit oriented development; public improvement districts; brown fields; etc.; •      Assist with annual preparation of the Doña Ana County Capital Needs Plan; Preparation and coordination of the Doña Ana County Capital Improvement Program and Infrastructure Capital Needs Plan Assist with the preparation and coordination of the Doña Ana County Asset Management Plan; Collect, compile, and analyze complex information and data and prepare reports Facilitate public outreach/participation/education for the various county initiatives; Develop short- and long-range work plans, procedures, and schedules. Project management and contract administration Assist with development of division work programs Develop project work scopes, schedules, and budgets Assist supervisor in lead role for the Advance Planning Division with oversight of Planner, Planner-Designer, and/or Planning Assistant positions; Provides day-to-day guidance, leadership, mentoring, motivation, training and development of Advance Planning staff Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential problems and suggestions for resolution Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions determined by supervisor Provide high level of customer service to public and other staff, in person, over the phone, and via email   ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
Education. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in community or regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, or related field. Master’s degree from an accredited university in community or regional planning, public administration, landscape architecture, or related field is desired.   Experience. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of comprehensive, community or regional planning or similar capacity.    Licenses/Certifications. Have a valid unrestricted driver’s license. Membership in AICP preferred.   Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass background and obtain a good driving record.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of comprehensive planning principles, practices and techniques, particularly as expressed in “Chapter 7 – Local planning: in APA’s Growing Smart? Legislative Guidebook. Advanced knowledge of physical and policy planning, long range and intermediate range planning, comprehensive plan elements and comprehensive regional and local land jurisdiction, the planning process from vision through implementation, guidelines for decision makers, intergovernmental concepts including Sustainable Development, Growing Smart, Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and neighborhoods as community building blocks. Experience with grant oversight/management a plus.    Skill: Intellectual curiosity about the planning profession and ability to improve skill set and experiences on a daily basis; exemplary planning skills and techniques; ability to clearly and concisely communicate through writing, speaking and digital media; Demonstrated expertise in: MS Office. Additional capabilities such as GIS (Arc View) are a plus. Possess a high level of analytical skills to find solutions to complex professional, technical, and administrative problems.   Design experience and knowledge is highly favorable. Operation and capabilities with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, Adobe Premiere, website development and management are favorable.       Ability: Work with culturally diverse population; communicate effectively; train employees; establish and maintain effective working relationships; work independently, and use considerable judgment in various situations and to take appropriate action while recognizing when it is necessary to refer to management. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action within the scope of work and agency programs and policies. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other disciplines; must be able to work with others as part of a team. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Possess ability to manage and work on multiple projects, priorities, and work flows and meet deadlines. Must possess versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities.  Organize and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance. Ability to coordinate activities between multiple departments, disciplines, federal and state programs, and agencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, consultants, government representatives and these doing business with Doña Ana County. Working outside of normal working hours such as evenings, early mornings, and/or weekends may be required to meet the needs of certain projects.