This recruitment is to fill three planner positions. Assistant Planner, Planner, and Senior Planner.
The hiring salary range for these positions are $5,003.44 – $7,984.46/month or $2,501.72 – $3,992.23/semi-monthly depending on qualifications.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is looking for an Assistant Planner, Planner and Senior Planner to help update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long range plan for growth and development of the region. DRCOG adopted the first Metro Vision plan in 1997, building on a legacy of regional planning that dates to 1955. Regional planning at DRCOG has long connected growth, transportation, and sustainability, but now has a new focus area of
housing with completion of a Regional Housing Needs Assessment and work soon underway on a Regional Housing Strategy.
DRCOG works to help local governments and other planning partners contribute to Metro Vision outcomes and objectives through different pathways and at different speeds for collective impact. If you have a passion for working with local governments, interest in providing technical assistance to shape regional growth through local implementation, and a desire to focus your efforts on making life better in the beautiful and sunny Denver region, please apply today!
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do. Employees are rewarded with competitive compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!
Assistant Planner
• Support Role: Primarily assists with routine research, project support, and public engagement activities.
• Tasks: Conducts research, assists in project completion, and helps prepare draft documents and meeting materials.
• Project Involvement: Contributes to various planning initiatives, but with limited responsibility for leading projects.
Planner
• Support and Lead Role: Provides professional-level planning services, supports various projects, and leads specific tasks or components.
• Tasks: Researches and analyzes data, develops functional plans, and provides technical assistance. Takes a lead role in facilitating meetings and managing certain program activities.
• Project Involvement: Leads and coordinates projects, makes recommendations, and interacts directly with stakeholders.
Senior Planner
• Lead and Expert Role: Provides leadership and expert guidance on complex planning activities and projects.
• Tasks: Leads planning efforts, manages projects, and serves as a subject matter expert. Mentors other staff, and represents DRCOG on various committees and advisory groups.
• Project Involvement: Takes the lead on major projects, provides high-level consultation, and builds strategic relationships with stakeholders.
ABOUT THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT PLANNER (REGIONAL PLANNING)
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
• Conducts research on routine to more complex projects, gathers information and identifies issues impacting assigned projects; collaborates on and coordinates project communication materials with other positions within this series and management.
• Assists with the successful completion of projects assigned to the team; coordinates and communicates with project team members; assists in preparing draft and final project documents.
• Plans and coordinates public engagement and training events; assists with management and facilitation of meetings; develops meeting materials, including evaluation approaches; attends committee meetings.
• Responds to information requests; performs research and gathers requested information; prepares correspondence and presents findings.
• Updates and maintains files, records, data, and content for website and social media posts.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Participates in efforts to update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long-range plan for growth and development of the Denver Region.
• Contributes to efforts that help local governments and other partners implement Metro Vision.
• Evaluates plans and projects from other agencies to obtain data and information on regional and local planning priorities.
• Tracks activities and required reporting to funding agencies and key stakeholders.
• Develops and organizes trainings, workshops, and other convenings, including Metro Vision Idea Exchanges, to support a healthy community of planning practice that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing among local government officials, staff and other regional planning partners.
• Provides professional support to technical assistance projects and committees.
• General concepts of urban and regional planning;
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences.
• Basic principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Basic concepts and methods of project management
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning.
• Basic principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Customer service principles.
• Gathering and analyzing data and determining findings and recommendations;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting project-related data and information;
• Preparing and maintaining original reports, documents and presentations;
• Maintaining and updating data and documentation;
• Monitoring project status, including balancing competing demands;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
• Contributing to the development and execution of concurrent planning initiatives in various stages of completion;
• Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Proficiency with digital accessibility, including techniques and best practices for presenting, remote meetings, document creation, the design, development, and testing of data-centric embeddable and exportable graphics, and writing web content (if tasked with web creation and editing responsibilities).
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Clear and concise communication, verbal and written, oriented to a variety of audiences, including coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, and the general public;
• Making contributions in a collaborative team environment.
ABOUT THE POSITION OF PLANNER (REGIONAL PLANNING)
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
• Researches and analyzes data and information for use in long-range regional planning; collaborates with regional partners and stakeholders and maintains effective working relationships; makes recommendations on regional planning and implementation initiatives and programs.
• Provides professional-level planning services in support of a variety of internal and external planning projects; serves as a DRCOG representative on committees and advisory groups; communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates and implements program activities and related funding.
• Leads and facilitates meetings with internal and external planning partners; prepares and distributes meeting materials; develops recommendations and reports based on input received.
• Assists in the preparation of regional plans; leads the development of functional plans; prepares maps, charts, and data visualizations; presents findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Provides technical assistance to local governments and other regional stakeholders; works closely with communities to develop strategies to advance local and regional goals.
• Researches best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identifies potential funding opportunities; makes related recommendations for implementation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Participates in efforts to update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long-range plan for growth and development of the region; conducts research and analysis to evaluate, inform and improve regional planning activities.
• Contributes to efforts to help local governments and other partners implement Metro Vision.
• Supports a healthy community of planning practice that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing among local government officials, staff and other regional planning partners.
• Maintains and helps build productive relationships to advance and sustain the collective impact commitment described in Metro Vision.
• Coordinates projects and leads tasks that help build the capacity and capabilities of local governments and other stakeholders to implement Metro Vision through direct or consultant technical assistance.
• Assists in projects and tasks to support DRCOG in building and maintaining its role in regional and local housing.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Principles and practices of program administration and management;
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis;
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning;
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
• Modern budget practices;
• Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Basic principles and methods of stakeholder engagement;
• Principles and practices in one or more of the following areas of planning practice highly desirable: transit-oriented development, housing, health and the built environment, social determinants of health, age-friendly communities concepts, corridor and center/node land use planning, or the transportation/land use connection.
• Managing a project or program;
• Gathering and analyzing data, determining findings and recommendations;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
• Contributing to the development and execution of a concurrent planning initiatives in various stages of completion;
• Facilitating meetings and workshops.
• Proficiency with digital accessibility, including techniques and best practices for presenting, remote meetings, document creation, the design, development, and testing of data-centric embeddable and exportable graphics, and writing web content (if tasked with web creation and editing responsibilities).
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Clear and concise communication, verbal and written, oriented to a variety of audiences, including coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, and the general public;
• Managing collaborative relationships with internal or external partners and project stakeholders
ABOUT THE POSITION OF SENIOR PLANNER (REGIONAL PLANNING)
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
• Provides leadership on varied planning activities in support of regional plans and projects; coordinates development and maintenance of regional plans; may serve as lead worker by assigning work and monitoring work completion; and provides consultation regarding various studies and initiatives.
• Serves as planning subject matter expert in area of assignment; performs and directs complex research tasks; develops and evaluates processes; makes recommendations for modifications to data collection methods and processes.
• Provides planning support and responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external stakeholders; prepares materials for presentations, print and web distribution to communicate technical research findings and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, including the DRCOG Board and committees.
• Coordinates and conducts workshops, webinars, and other public involvement activities to further regional plans and initiatives.
• Leads and serves as a DRCOG liaison and representative to committees, advisory groups, federal/state/local agencies and other stakeholders.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned
• Provides leadership on and supports efforts to update and adapt Metro Vision, DRCOG’s long-range plan for the growth and development of the Denver Region.
• Coordinates and contributes to efforts to help local governments and other partners implement Metro Vision.
• Supports a healthy community of planning practice that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing among local government officials, staff and other regional planning partners.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships to advance and sustain the collective impact commitment described in Metro Vision.
• Leads and manages projects and tasks that help build the capacity and capabilities of local governments and other stakeholders to implement Metro Vision through direct or consultant technical assistance.
• Coordinates projects and tasks to support DRCOG in building and maintaining its role in regional and local housing.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional planning;
• Principles and practices of project and program administration and management;
• Practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others;
• Techniques and methods for organizing, prioritizing, assigning and monitoring work;
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research;
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis;
• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies in local and regional planning;
• Effective communication techniques, including writing and public presentations oriented to a variety of audiences;
• Principles and practices of group facilitation and building consensus;
• Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Best practices in stakeholder engagement and management;
• Principles and practices in one or more of the following areas of planning practice highly desirable: transit-oriented development, housing, health and the built environment, social determinants of health, age-friendly communities concepts, corridor and center/node land use planning, or the transportation/land use connection.
• Managing a project or program;
• Scheduling and carrying out work assignments with limited supervision;
• Designing and implementing research analysis in the areas of regional planning and performance measurement;
• Providing consultation and serving as a program liaison and subject matter expert;
• Interpreting, monitoring and reporting financial and project-related data and information;
• Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations;
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations;
• Understanding and defining project needs and creating project work programs involving other staff
• Providing direction to others in order to meet standards;
• Training and coaching staff;
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus;
• Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies;
• Providing excellent customer service;
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information;
• Working in a team environment and maintaining effective working relationships with other team members and planning partners.
• Proficiency with digital accessibility, including techniques and best practices for writing, presenting, remote meetings, document creation, and the design, development, and testing of data-centric embeddable and exportable graphics.
• Creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems;
• Clear and concise communication, verbal and written, oriented to a variety of audiences, including coworkers, supervisors, external stakeholders, and the general public;
• Developing and managing collaborative relationships with internal or external partners and project stakeholders.
Education and experience requirements:
Assistant Planner
• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration or directly related
field. No specific experience is required. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law
Planner
• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration or directly related
field and two to four years of related professional planning experience. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
• No certifications required. Obtaining AICP certification encouraged and directly supported by
DRCOG.
Senior Planner
• Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration or directly related
field and four to six years of related professional planning experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred, but not required
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The hiring salary range for the advertised positions are as follows:
Assistant Planner: $2,501.72 – $3,003.08/semi-monthly or $5,003.44 – $6,006.16/month or depending on qualifications.
Planner: $2,802.28 – $3,503.29 semi-monthly or $5,604.56 – $7,006.58/month or depending on qualifications.
Senior Planner: $3,195.66 – $3,992.23 semi-monthly or $6,391.32 – $7,984.46/month or depending on qualifications.
Status:
Full-time, Exempt
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https://drcog.org/drcog-job-openings.
This position is open until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, October 7, 2024.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
