Hybrid Long Range Planner at Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK

About the Department

This position provides professional planning support for a variety of Planning Division programs and functions. Current plans and projects include, but are not limited to, Transit & Transportation, Lake Management, Comprehensive Plans, Historic Preservation, and School Walking Routes. The team responds to requests from Community Councils to help provide land use guidance, evaluates connections to land use and transportation systems, works to maintain robust public outreach relating to individual projects and the larger goals of long-range planning efforts, and provides staff support for a number of boards and commissions, including the MSB Fish & Wildlife Commission, Historical Preservation Commission, and the Transportation Advisory Board. 

Work is performed and duties are carried out in accordance with established Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness and Teamwork.

Position Duties

O1 - O5 - DOE

Minimum Qualifications

Baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.   Post-secondary education or experience which provides the expertise required to perform effectively the functions of the position may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.   

Three (3) years of experience in the occupational field, sufficient to understand the major duties of the position.  Relevant experience includes performing municipal, land use, transportation, environmental and urban development planning duties; designing and administering planning programs and processes, and/or performing professional duties relevant to work that will be performed (research, analytical thinking, translating complex information into easy-to-understand concepts, data mapping and spatial analysis, drafting of clear reports, interpersonal communication, problem solving, team building, presenting information verbally and in writing internally and to members of the public, etc.).

Other Qualifications

Develops land use plans, legislation, regulations, procedures and updates to the Borough's comprehensive, community and environmental plans in collaboration with other staff, departments, community groups, and citizens; develops and implements action steps to achieve goals.
Completes special projects and planning studies requiring research, public involvement, analysis, and recommendations; prepares written reports and provide subject matter expertise to Borough staff, commissions, and the Assembly.
Develops effective working relationships with federal, state and local agencies and private organizations to coordinate efforts, procure resources, and collaborate on strategies to address environmental issues in the region.
Responds to public inquiries concerning Borough policies, planning topics, environmental issues, and other concerns in a timely, accurate and professional manner; provides interviews to the news media as requested.
Provides staff oversight for one or more of the Department’s eight Boards and Commission; prepares agendas, minutes, correspondence, and budgets; coordinates project implementation; prepares and supervises contracts; maintains records, communications and website; coordinates commission activities with Borough management and Assembly.
Performs project management duties as assigned; plans, organizes and directs all activities required for the full implementation of project goals and objectives; ensures that projects meet targets, required public involvement, budgets and timelines; prepares required reports and evaluations. 
Develops and manages external contracts, including proposal development, evaluation, scope development, negotiations, invoicing and task supervision.
Formulates and implements plans for public involvement and citizen education for all plans and projects; facilitates community meetings to achieve project, department and Borough goals.
Researches and prepares applications for various grant funds related to a variety of issues and community planning efforts; manages budget, conducts grant programs, hires and supervises contractors and prepares required grant reports.
Serves as Borough representative to assigned committees; participates in strategic planning, grant review and selection, and community events to promote the Borough’s efforts.
Reviews and evaluates subdivisions, permits and other land use applications for compliance with adopted regulations, plans and policies; presents analysis and reports to other staff, commissions and Assembly as needed.
Develops and updates Borough web pages.
Performs related duties.