Associate, Transit, Metropolitan Planning Council

Who: Metropolitan Planning Council, Chicago, Illinois 

Department: Transit

Employment Type: Full-Time

Minimum Experience: Experienced 

Compensation: $60,000-$65,000

Description 

The position will report to the Director of Transportation, supporting both transportation and water resources projects, and work closely with others on staff in multi-disciplinary project teams. 

Scope of Role 

The Associate will support research, advocacy, and project coordination including for transportation and water resources projects. The Associate performs task management in support of projects, managing internal and external communications to project partners, conducts foundational research, supports advocacy activities, develops meeting summaries and documentation and supports tracking project outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Project coordination and support for transportation, water resources and related projects 
• Stakeholder outreach, meeting management, documenting and tracking project outcomes 

• Analytical research in support of program efforts  
• Data analysis and use of GIS to analyze trends and create maps as well as other data visualizations to communicate research findings 
• Advocacy activities including participating in various coalitions to collaborate on advancing policy change, and supporting development of correspondence and blogs to describe policy issues and solutions

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge of federal, state, and regional transportation agencies and processes   
• Ability to conduct analysis of transportation data sets including Census, household travel survey and specialized data such as regional sidewalk dataset
• Ability to conduct mapping and analysis in GIS 
• Experience analyzing and translating research findings into practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions
• Knowledge or interest in water resources policy is a plus 

• Strong oral and written communication and time management skills 
• Ability to analyze data in support of research, projects, reports and other communications 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and organize efficient work processes, collaborating with managers and peers, supporting timely outcomes 
• A nimble and creative mindset with emotional intelligence, compassion, patience, and a sense of humor
• Interpersonal communication skills strong enough to test and embrace new ways of working

Education & Experience 

• A bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, public administration or other relevant fields. Master’s degree is highly desirable. Depth of experience may be substituted for formal or degree certification. 

Please respond to the following prompts in the cover letter:

• Please detail experience with GIS and data analysis
• Please describe experience working on transportation planning and policy issues
• Please detail any experience working on water policy issues
• Please detail experience maintaining productivity in a dynamic working environment

For more information and to Apply visit: Metropolitan Planning Council 

Project Planner - Friends of the Chicago River

Who: Friends of the Chicago River

What: A key member of the policy and planning team, the project planner plays a central role in supporting planning initiatives and programs that lead to systematic improvement of the Chicago River system and that meet Friends’ vision for the Chicago River system. The project planner works with the policy and planning team in responding to emerging and ongoing issues facing the river system and surrounding watershed communities. The project planner will help drive creative thinking and innovation to expand recognition of Friends as a thought-leader in future-focused watershed advocacy.

Responsibilities:

• With the oversight of the director of planning, manages the creation of the Strategic Watershed Land Use Plan project with input from a steering committee of partner organizations.

• Supports the Chicago River Watershed Council, Wildlife Corridor Connectivity Action Plan, River Recovery and Conservation Plan, and other core planning and policy projects.

• Provides input and creativity into these projects drawn on past experiences with watershed and/or environmental planning, analysis, and mapping.

• Uses GIS mapping analysis, Story Maps, and other data visualization and analysis tools to support policy and planning projects.

• Assists in producing written planning reports, documents, maps, diagrams, presentations, and outreach materials.

• Assists in meeting management, preparations, and facilitation.

• Helps maintain applicable communications materials related to planning work.

• Participates in Friends’ annual all-staff events

Qualifications:

• A degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, environmental planning or related field.

• Proficiency with ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online software and online tools.

• Work samples of related GIS tool creation or analysis projects.

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience directly related to this position, with additional professional experience preferred.

• Experience with graphic and document production techniques using Adobe software.

• Direct experience with water related planning, green infrastructure projects, watershed planning, and/or policy is desired.

• Knowledge of and an enthusiasm for the Chicago area waterways and natural areas is desired.

• Ability to use past experience, research, and innovation to advance projects.

• Excellent communication skills and desire to work both independently and as part of collaborative team.

• Experience managing a work plan and prioritizing tasks to meet program and organizational goals.

• Ability to serve with alacrity.

Apply here. Application instructions at bottom of document.

Sustainability Research Assistant, Consortia Collaborative - Chicago, IL

Sustainability Research Assistant

Consortia Collaborative in collaboration with Global

Philanthropy Partners

The Consortia Collaborative is an inter-organizational collaboration of five regional

Higher Education entities focused on sustainability. The collaboration aims to strengthen

the entities’ capacity to share resources and information particular to water, solid waste

and energy reduction and the establishments of baselines and conservation goals.

 The entities include:

 Chicago Area Higher Education Retrofit Project (ARCH)

 Chicago Higher Education Sustainable Food Systems Network (CHESFSN)

 Chicagoland Network for Sustainability in Higher Education (CNSHE)

 South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC)

 Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)

Global Philanthropy Partners serves as the fiscal agent for this project.


The Consortia Collaborative is seeking a Research Assistant in Sustainability to:

 Research existing metrics for water and solid waste usage for higher education institutions

 Participate in meetings to establish data elements to be collected

 Gather and analyze data on water and solid waste usage from participating institutions to establish baselines and

 Write a paper for publication, presentation or other public dissemination of information

 Perform other related duties as assigned.

The preferred candidate will:

 Have a strong interest in sustainability and environmental work;

 Have some familiarity with water, waste and/or recycling programs;

 Be proficient in computer applications (Word, Excel, GIS, etc);

 Have excellent oral and written communication skills;

 Be available to work during Spring, Summer and Fall 2016.

This position will pay $21/hourly for 15 hours/week for 39 weeks and will report to Genevieve Boesen, project director. Work location is flexible.

For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Genevieve Boesen at gboesen@govst.edu with subject line “Sustainability Research Assistant” by January 22, 2015. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Director of Planning, Denver Water - Denver, CO

Director of Planning

Denver Water

Professional Area: 

Civil Engineering

Land-Use Management and Code Enforcement

Planning Management, Budgeting and Finance

Information Technology / GIS

Experience: 

7-10 years

Contact person: 

Pam Derby

Phone: 

916-471-3126

Website: 

http://www.cpshr.us/documents/ExecSearch/DW_PD.pdf

Location: 

Denver, CO

Denver Water - Denver, Colorado 

Director of Planning 
Annual salary range: $134,971 - $209,352 
Application Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2015 

This is a unique opportunity to join a nationally renowned municipal water agency poised for significant change, unprecedented collaborations and the opportunity to positively affect water supply issues for future generations. 

Established in 1918, Denver Water is Colorado’s oldest and largest water utility. Today, Denver Water serves more than 1.3 million people – about 25 percent of Colorado’s population – with less than 2 percent of the water used in the state; and, provides water service to residents beyond Denver’s city limits through contractual relationships with distributors. 

Appointed by and reporting to the CEO, the Director of Planning is responsible for functions relating to raw water development planning and operation; water rights analysis, protection and development; raw water, ground water and treated water modeling and analysis; hydraulic system planning; demographics, land use and plan review; serves as an ambassador for the CEO and the Board on water resource and environmental issues throughout the state, regionally and nationally; negotiates complex water resource, operational and environmental agreements; provides strategic direction and vision for planning the water supply future for Denver Water and its customers. 

The ideal candidate will bring a Bachelors’ and preferably advanced degree in business or public administration, urban or regional planning, water resource planning, law or engineering. Some exposure or familiarity with the technology tools of planning, such as GIS, modeling, etc., or related field; ten years’ experience, including four years in a senior managerial position, in a water agency or utility, or in a closely related water field, including responsibility for policy and managerial decision-making. 

To download the recruitment brochure which includes comprehensive application instructions, please go to:http://www.cpshr.us/documents/ExecSearch/DW_PD.pdf 

For more information contact: 

Pam Derby 
CPS HR Consulting 
916-471-3126 
Recruitment Brochure: www.cpshr.us/search 
Denver Water website: www.denverwater.org 

Campaign Staff, The Fund - Chicago, IL

The Fund for the Public Interest partners with leading non-profit groups from around the country providing the kind of people power it takes to build organizations for the long-term, win hard-fought campaigns, and make change on some of the most important issues we face today.  We’ve made our mark on important issues such as healthcare reform, global climate change, solar power, LGBT discrimination, along with many others.  And we're hiring!

We're looking for smart, hard-working students that are looking to make a difference on critical issues. Students interested in applying should visit our website at:
http://www.fundforthepublicinterest.org/fundjobs2.html.

We offer full and part time positions at a rate of 10-15 dollars an hour.  These jobs look great on a resume, especially for students looking to go into the non-profit and environmental fields.

In Chicago, we are hiring campaign staff to partner with Illinois PIRG and Environment Illinois.  The campaigns we will be working on are protecting Lake Michigan and other Illinois bodies of water as well as stopping the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.  While on staff you will learn how to effectively generate public support, build upon your understanding of the political process, and create positive social change.

Program Manager - Sustainability, McDonald’s Corporation - Oak Brook, IL

Program Manager - Sustainability
The Program Manager role within McDonald’s Sustainability department will play a key role for the McDonald’s U.S. System as a program and project lead. This role will drive implementation and performance assessment of energy, water and other sustainability initiatives across the McDonald’s System in support of aggressive cost reduction and sustainability targets. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong program and project management skills, strong analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, detail orientation and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to internal and external audiences. The Program Manager responsibilities focus on oversight of solutions for both company-owned (“McOpCo”) and U.S. franchisee (Owner/Operators) restaurants.
Key stakeholders include, but are not limited to: US functional leads; McDonald’s leadership including McOpCo, Owner/Operator Leadership; Suppliers; and Field Leadership.
This is a dream job for a motivated, high energy, self-starter who is detail oriented, and looking to make a substantial impact on the profitability of the company as well as McDonald’s sustainability targets.

Program Management and Metrics
• Lead the end to end development, testing and deployment of critical high-visibility energy, water and sustainability initiatives in restaurants across the U.S. System.
• Lead broad internal and external cross-functional teams that represent diverse areas of the U.S. business to ensure programs are delivered in a timely manner, within budget, and that program success criteria are achieved.
• May act as the key liaison to McOpCo for energy efficiency and sustainability programs and initiatives.
• Prepare program charters in collaboration with the Director and core team members, addressing such areas as sponsorship, governance, processes, decision making, issue escalation, funding model, etc.
• Develop and lead reporting and stakeholder communications on program/project status, key messages, cost savings, total project benefits, decisions and other key metrics as required.
• Provide financial and business analyses, profitability, quantitative and cost-analyses related to the projects and programs.
• Develop and monitor program plans using recommended

Responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

Program Management Office (PMO) tools, in alignment with each project team’s delivery timelines, key milestones, scope, roles, sequencing, resource allocation, and budget targets, to enable cost-effective new restaurant energy projects.
• Lead ongoing initiative team meetings to track progress, identify and resolve issues, assign responsibilities, prioritize and adjust plans as required.
• Work with Sustainability Department Directors to provide support for energy and sustainability progress and reporting.
• Develop a risk management strategy for programs based on known and anticipated factors, including mitigation plans
Supplier Management
• Participate in the selection of key suppliers to support energy/sustainability programs (for example, utility incentive program supplier(s), lighting upgrade supplier(s), ventilation strategy supplier(s), water equipment/conservation etc.).
• Manage the business relationship with suppliers in accordance with McDonald’s expectations and core values, including oversight of annual Supplier performance reviews.
• 3 - 5 years of progressive experience in program management, strategic planning and vendor management required.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting, Engineering or related field required. Master’s in Business or Environmental Management or Sustainability a plus.
• Outstanding and concise written and verbal communication skills required.
• Outstanding public speaking/presentation skills to internal, external and senior management audiences.
• Proven Program Management skills with a track record of successful project results.
• Valid PMP credential a plus.
• High proficiency in MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
• Experience in building and managing successful customer / supplier relationships.
• Sound business judgment and strong analytical problem- solving skills.
• Strong change management skills and ability to adapt both quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities.

Other Key Qualifications

• Ability to identify and take action to resolve performance issues of project teams
• Adopts best practices from both within and outside of McDonald’s
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Self- starter, team player, organized, and comfortable working independently and at times in ambiguity
• Ability to lead cross functional teams of peer level and higher level people, internal and external
• Background in sales, account management and/or marketing a plus
• Interest in, and passion for supporting corporate sustainability initiatives a plus
• Experience developing and presenting compelling business cases

Requisition Number 4278BR
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/home.aspx?partnerid=25516&siteid=5221

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, Bluestem Communications - Chicago, IL

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION OVERVIEW

Bluestem Communications is searching for a Communications Coordinator to support the Communications Director with writing and project management. We are looking for someone with excellent writing skills who is enthusiastic and willing to learn about and adopt Bluestem’s Communication’s philosophy and methodology. This full-time position works under the supervision and direction of the Communications Director assisting her with managing and implementing ten to fifteen communications and stakeholder engagement projects simultaneously. In addition to outstanding writing and organization abilities, someone with excellent presentation skills and a background in environmental issues, particularly land and water conservation, is highly desired.

Bluestem Communications researches, designs and implements communication strategies and stakeholder engagement processes and supports environmental coalitions. Our work aims to engage people in environmental issues in order to motivate positive behavior change by connecting people’s existing personal values to environmental causes. Bluestem also implements engagement processes in order to learn from and educate segments of the public or stakeholder groups. The engagement projects support government agencies, municipalities and others in their quest to better understand what an audience thinks, knows and feels about a topic.

Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for the following tasks:

1. Writing: Assist with developing and writing communications materials (including newsletters, website text, brochures, ads, fact sheets, how-to-guides, etc.), messages, communications strategies and marketing plans. Writing tasks include:
   1. Issue research
   2. Developing first drafts
   3. Editing text
   4. Photo research
2. Project Management: Assist the Communications Director with simultaneously managing ten to fifteen communications projects. Project management tasks include:
   1. Develop and follow timelines
   2. Prepare agendas and assist with meeting set-up and organization
   3. Take detailed meeting notes
   4. Conduct follow up tasks from meetings
   5. Write project reports
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Assist the Communications Director with planning and managing the logistics of stakeholder meetings and preparing final reports. Stakeholder engagement tasks include:
   1. Help plan and organize large meetings
   2. Assist with creating meeting handout materials and developing presentations
   3. Attend stakeholder meetings
   4. Transcribe notes from meetings
4. Research: Guided by the Communications Director, this position involves conducting research. Research tasks include:
   1. Conduct literature reviews of public opinion research and write final reports on
   2. Conduct research analyzing media coverage on specific topics and write final reports
5. Learn and adopt the Bluestem process for creating behavior change campaigns and writing values-based messages
6. Learn and adopt Bluestem’s system for planning stakeholder engagement processes

Bluestem has spent two decades researching audiences, testing communications methods and developing best practices for successful stakeholder engagement. Our years of experience have allowed us to develop a suite of tried and true tools and strategies that are unique and not widely practiced. Therefore, we do not expect new staff to join Bluestem with the knowledge of our methodology and practices. Instead we look for people who understand our purpose and the premise for our work and are willing to take the time to learn how we work and then eventually move into a more advanced position where they conduct and manage projects on their own.

Qualifications

• College degree
• 3-5 years of job experience, where job included:
  • Writing
  • Project management
• Experience conducting research
• Experience and confidence delivering public presentations
• Excellent inter-personal skills and a friendly, outgoing manner
• Experience working on teams and in a small office setting

Ideal candidates possess the above qualifications and are:

• knowledgeable about environmental and land and water conservation issues
• talented and quick writers who understand social marketing and public communications
• enthusiastic self-starters that eventually need little guidance
• engaging presenters
• quick learners eager to take on new tasks

Opportunity for Growth (1-2 years)

The right person has the opportunity to grow from the Communications Coordinator position into a more advanced position at Bluestem, either as a Communications or Program Manager. IF a Communications Coordinator eventually learns to work with the groups we serve and to create communication strategies and/or conduct stakeholder engagement projects using Bluestem’s methodology and without direct supervision, then there is an excellent opportunity to advance within the organization.

Hours

This is a salaried, full-time position.

Location

Bluestem Communication’s offices are located at 14 North Peoria St, Suite 4F, Chicago, IL 60607.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary $35,000 – $43,000 – commensurate with experience
• Health insurance
• 5% of salary contribution to retirement fund
• Vacation:
  • Year 1: 15 days
  • Year 2 and on: 20 days
  • After 5 years: 25 days
• Nine paid sick days
• Twelve paid holidays

Application Details

Please prepare and submit a cover letter explaining specifically how you meet the above criteria, your resumé and at least two writing samples. Please apply ONLY if you have ALL of the above qualifications and can readily complete the listed tasks. Application packets that have form cover letters, grammatical errors or do not include at least two writing samples will not be considered. Email cover letter, resume and writing sample to Rebeca Bell at: rbell@bluestemcommunications.org.

In the email subject line, write “Communications Coordinator.” No phone calls, please. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.

Community Planner (Recent Graduate), Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army - Rock Island, IL

Community Planner (Recent Graduate)
Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army - Rock Island, IL

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army. About the Position:  This position is part of the Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System (ACTEDS) and is a CIVILIAN position with the Department of Army. The incumbent will serve as a Community Planner trainee with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  This is a Career Program (CP) # 18 position.  Position(s) will be filled under the Department of the Army Recent Graduates Program.  Click here for more information on Pathways program participants. The Department of the Army Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Department of Army intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. After Program completion, Department of the Army Recent Graduates MAY be converted to a permanent position. To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, Recent Graduates must:  Successfully complete at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.  Demonstrate successful job performance.  Meet the Office of Personnel Management’s qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted To learn more, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/HiringReform/Pathways/program/graduates/ Department of the Army Recent Graduates Program Eligibles  Positions are open to Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years (or will complete by June 2015) a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.  Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.  TRAVEL REQUIRED Occasional Travel Up to 15% business travel is required.  RELOCATION AUTHORIZED Yes Payment of moving expenses is authorized subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.  KEY REQUIREMENTS Must sign a mobility agreement if selected.  DUTIES: As a Community Planner (Intern) you will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: • Assist in developing multidisciplinary water resource plans for navigation, flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, and recreation projects and watershed studies including preliminary investigations, complete analysis of project feasibility, and post authorization general reevaluation studies. • Assist in determining planning problems and opportunities, goals, objectives, constraints, type and location of project features, optimum dimensions to achieve balance between objectives and costs, treatment of roads, railroads, utilities, and residential and/or commercial developments affected. • Perform extensive research of records to assemble available data in the form of field and bathymetric surveys, maps, aerial photographs, previous reports, etc., which may provide basic engineering considerations and general background data. • Determine additional data required for studies, such as topography, watershed characteristics, the type and location of developments (housing, commercial, or local improvements) occurring since previous surveys, foundation explorations, hydraulic design data, data required to determine economic and ecosystem benefits, etc. • Plan and implement a Public Involvement and Participation Program for assigned projects, encompassing appropriate coordination with governmental organizations, organized interest groups, and the general public. Incumbent works under closer supervision and works in a developmental capacity performing assignments and completing training, both of which are aimed in preparing the incumbent to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties outlined in the aforementioned job description. The incumbent receives progressively more responsible assignments as experience and training are received to the next higher level position. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Qualification Requirement:  A. Degree: Successful completion (or completion by June 2015) of at least a bachelor's degree in community planning; or related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration that included at least 12 semester hours in the planning process, socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, urban and regional economic analysis, and development finance. Note: Applicants with degrees in the related fields listed above, who do not have the 12 semester hours of specified course work must have had at least 1 year of work experience in community planning acquired under the supervision and guidance of a community planner. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in one of the above disciplines, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the above disciplines of which at least 12 semester hours were in the planning process, and socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement in A or B above, one of the following is also required for the GS-7 level:  • Specialized Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience (please but sure to include number of hours worked for each experience listed on your resume). To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as: assisting in the planning for components such as buildings, utilities distribution, housing, transportation or land use; or, assisting in preparing cost estimates and determining resource requirements for community planning efforts; or, assisting in real property development plans by analyzing real property assets, physical site and structure layout, any potential real estate requirements, and performing environmental analysis. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). • Superior Academic Achievement for GS-07: Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with Superior Academic Achievement. To qualify based on S.A.A., education must be fully qualifying for the position being filled. Applicant must meet one of the following provisions for superior academic achievement: 1. A standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision. 2. A grade point average of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for (a) all courses completed; or (b) courses completed during the last two years of the curriculum. 3. A grade point average of "B+" (3.5. on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent based on (a) the average of the required courses completed in the major field; or (b) the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. 4. Election to membership in one of the national honorary societies (other than freshman societies) that meets the requirements of the Association of College of Honor Societies. Grade point averages will be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0, and 2.94 will round to 2.9. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your S.A.A. claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society and you must provide evidence of your class standing or honor society membership with your application. • Education Substitution for GS-07: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate-level education that would have equipped the candidate with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work of the position. One year of graduate coursework is 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. • Applicants Combining Education and Experience:  If you have some, but not all, of the experience or education described above, you may still qualify by combining the amount of creditable experience and graduate education that you possess. To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify. Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience.  Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered for this position. You must include documentation to support U.S. equivalency. Other Requirements: Click here for expanded definitions. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. One year trial/probationary period may be required. Direct Deposit of Pay is Required.  Must sign a mobility agreement if selected.  Personnel security investigation is required.  If selected, official college or university transcripts must be submitted. However, unofficial transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.  Recent Graduates must sign a Participant Agreement with the Agency. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Basis for Rating : Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. • Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position. • Highly Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position. • Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority. See Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website . BENEFITS: Back to top The Department of Defense offers an excellent benefits program. In addition to your take-home pay, your comprehensive compensation/benefits package will include most of the benefits described in the USAJOBS Resource Center. OTHER INFORMATION: Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.  Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade. This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to the target grade of the position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management.

Associate, Metropolitan Planning Council - Chicago, IL

Associate

The OpportunitySince 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth. 

Over the past decade, MPC’s sustainable water resources agenda has greatly evolved and expanded.  Some of our initiatives, such as modernizing Illinois’ water infrastructure financing programs and the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, are in full stride. A new initiative, Great Rivers Chicago, is launching now. The full spectrum of our work requires policy and programmatic coordination by multiple partners across municipal, county and state borders, as well as the communication of complex technical issues through stores and visually engaging data. The ideal candidate will be equally adept at understanding and communicating state, city and suburban policies and concerns. MPC is increasingly called upon to share the lessons of our work nationally, and throughout the Great Lakes.

The PositionMPC is hiring a full-time associate to support the current and future projects that deepen the organization’s environmental policy, community development and economic development impact.   MPC is seeking a highly motivated individual with a background in urban planning, sustainable development, engineering, marketing, finance and/or environmental policy. Strong relationship and project management skills and versatility are absolutely essential.  At the outset, this associate will support MPC’s programming in sustainable water resources management and Great Rivers Chicago, and be a part of developing new and innovative initiatives.

The position will report directly to MPC’s director for these programs and projects, Josh Ellis.

Duties may include:

• Supporting the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, which includes 25+ local, county, state and federal government agencies, as well as several non-governmental stakeholders, in the development, execution and communication of a joint work plan for systemic stormwater improvements
• Engaging the greater Chicago area in creative neighborhood and stakeholder outreach in support of Great Rivers Chicago.

• Supporting MPC’s legislative and administrative work to modernize Illinois’ water management policies.

• Conducting research that informs communications materials which share MPC’s work through a variety of platforms and to a variety of audiences, including elected officials and the media.

• Translating lessons learned into policy reform recommendations, to be communicated through original reports, policy briefings, and dialogue with elected officials.
• Assisting one or more on-the-ground stormwater management initiatives, including local stakeholder engagement, cultivation of private sector partners, and reporting to government agencies.
• Researching best practices in water resources management for white papers and policy briefs, while also writing original content for a lay audience through newsletters, blog posts, and social media feeds.

• Coordinating public roundtable events and workshops to further MPC’s initiatives.

MPC seeks an organized, high-energy individual who thrives in a collegial work environment and can juggle multiple deadlines at once. The ideal candidate holds a masters degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Policy or other relevant field, has at least two years or relevant work experience and:

is a creative thinker able to help build MPC’s environmental programming, and integrate it with other emerging MPC initiatives;

• is a self-starter, able to prioritize, handle concurrent tasks and projects, and work in a fluid environment;
• is able to communicate directly and work collaboratively with staff colleagues and external partners;
• desires to make a positive impact on the greater Chicago region;
• is patient and eager to learn;
• is passionate about the body of issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization’s mission;
• has a sense of humor;
• is an excellent writer and an articulate speaker;
• is both entrepreneurial and executes skillfully on assigned work;
• has a working knowledge of regional actors and institutions in Illinois and Indiana;
• is familiar with ArcGIS software and geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, and basic graphic design software; and,
• has experience communicating complex ideas to a diverse, public audience.

Please send: 

1) A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job being filled;

2) Your résumé and salary history; and

3) A short writing sample (2-3 pages) to:

Angie Leyva
Metropolitan Planning Council
140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60603
or ALeyva@metroplanning.org    

No phone calls please. For more information on MPC, please visit our website: www.metroplanning.org
MPC is an equal opportunity employer.