Job description

MISSISSIPPI RIVER REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MRRPC)

JOB OPENING AND POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (www.mrrpc.com) in La Crosse Wisconsin is accepting applications for a Senior Planner to serve a nine county region in Western Wisconsin. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding employment experience in the scenic Driftless Area where recreation activities abound, please apply.

SENIOR PLANNER:

This position will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks focused on planning and development. The person should have in-depth knowledge of community planning development practices and be able to provide assistance to local, state, federal officials, general public and the MRRPC. The Senior Planner reports to the Director.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Planning and Development Assistance

▪ Being courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with co-workers, supervisors, commissioners, public officials, customers and the general public.

▪ Prepare or assist in preparing local, county and regional plans including but not limited to comprehensive, capital improvement, transportation, economic development, park and recreation, emergency response, hazard mitigation, downtown revitalization and tax incremental financing.

▪ Provide technical assistance to local, county and regional organizations in implementation of their plans.

▪ Participate on area, community, or state planning teams and task groups.

▪ Identify funding opportunities and prepare applications and proposals to secure funding to assist the MRRPC accomplish it mission, provide services and meet its responsibilities.

▪ Represent MRRPC at meetings with elected officials and various agencies at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

▪ Prepare grant applications and provide grant administration assistance to local units of government and the MRRPC.

▪ Prepare budgets and work plans, redevelopment, housing, and comprehensive plans, etc.

▪ Write grant applications and develop financial programs to implement community and regional plans and projects.

▪ Conduct business revolving loan fund and microloan fund underwriting.

▪ Prepare loan closing documents.

▪ Prepare draft and final planning documents for the MRRPC and/or its customers.

▪ Undertake other work as assigned by the Director that is in accordance with the services, policies and work needs of the MRRPC.

▪ May serve as staff lead on a variety transportation, economic development or land use training functions.

▪ Prepare plans and studies for all modes of travel including auto/truck, bus, water, air, rail, bicycles, pedestrians, paratransit and shared ride taxi.

Other Job Responsibilities

▪ Photocopy materials and prepare plan documents.

▪ Conduct community outreach and participate in day and evening meetings.

▪ Answer telephone calls. Provide information to customers or refer customers to appropriate person or agency.

▪ This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director that are in accordance with the mission, services, policies, responsibilities, and work needs of the MRRPC.

▪ Large percentage of time is spent in the office sitting at a desk, reading and writing.

▪ Carrying and handling of laptops, screens, projectors, boxes of papers, and other office equipment, supplies and materials will also often occur.

▪ Time is spent driving to meetings and visiting project sites during both the daytime and evening which could involve walking in fields, forests, and urban centers and climbing hills and stairs.

▪ Prepare time sheets to provide accurate cost allocation to project contracts.

The above is not intended to encompass every job duty, responsibility or activity but is meant to be illustrative.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

▪ Knowledge and understanding of local, regional, statewide, national, and international planning trends and issues.

▪ Familiarity with Federal and State planning grant programs.

▪ Ability to complete data collection, planning analysis, plan preparation.

▪ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, representatives of other agencies, civic and business organizations, and the general public.

▪ Ability to communicate and present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing using proper business grammar.

▪ Ability and skill in making public presentations to various sized groups.

▪ Strong computer skills.

▪ Ability to handle multiple priorities effectively and accurately and meet deadlines.

▪ Knowledge and understanding of governmental organizations and processes.

▪ Ability to use a personal computer and laptop with software as described below.

▪ Proficient at oral communication with co-workers, customers and the general public.

▪ Proficient at communication by telephone or other electronic devices.

▪ Having good near and far vision.

▪ Ability to move about the office.

▪ Ability to get in and out of a car.

TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Business, Economics, Environmental Science,

Geography or related field and a minimum of two years of experience is preferred.

• Master's degree in the above fields is a plus and counts towards two years’ experience.

• Strong communication skills and understanding of local government.

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

• Strong computer skills using word, publishing and spreadsheet software.

• Skill in use of PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and web design and publishing are a plus.

• Proficiency in ArcView, ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro is also a plus.

▪ Possess a driver’s license

ANNUAL SALARY AND BENEFITS

▪ The annual salary range for this fulltime position is $52,000 to $62,000 and includes an excellent benefit package including health insurance and Wisconsin Retirement.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE

▪To apply for this position go to: https://mrrpc.com/about/employment/

▪ The deadline for applying is December 16, 2022 or until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• La Crosse, WI 54601: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Planning and economic development: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

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