PLANNER I

4124C1

Pay Grade: 23

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is technical work conducting planning and research in local, regional or state planning projects and programs.

Work involves the collection, analysis and demonstration of pertinent data and reports to assist in developing local, regional or state planning documents. Duties also include reviewing technical reports and plans to make recommendations for improvement of projects and programs.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Planner II in which incumbents work on the more complex specialized projects and may function as a lead worker.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Conducts field investigations, economic or public opinion surveys, demographic studies, or other research to gather information; reviews information to ensure validity of materials and prepares analyses of the collected data.

Analyzes legislation, state and federal, relating to the specific agency's issues.

Monitors balances of Federal Transit Administration funds and executes fund transfers when necessary.

Prepares projected data such as land and road use, environmental impact, travel, construction cost.

Coordinates and plans studies for urban areas (under 50,000); may develop the study design, including various surveys such as economic or public opinion, origin-destination, traffic forecasts, and development of computerized models.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of principles, practices, and objectives of community and regional planning.

*Knowledge of the techniques of collecting and organizing physical, social, economic, legal, and other data used in community and regional planning.

Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to community planning and financing.

Abilities

*Ability to analyze population and income trends, construction costs, public finance, intergovernmental relationships, land uses, and community facilities.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, superiors, public officials and consultants.

*Ability to review detailed and complex community plans and to recommend action.

*Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

One year of experience in urban/regional planning.  Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Some positions require a master’s degree in urban/regional planning from a university accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.

NC:   06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 05/99
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05