Associate Planner I/MPO Coordinator

Under general supervision of the Planning Director, this position performs professional and technical planning functions for the City of Janesville, including general short and long range planning, and transportation planning. This position also coordinates and carries out federally mandated transportation planning activities for the Janesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Planning Director

Has no regular supervisory duties, but may delegate work to other Associate Planners, GIS Analysts, Interns, and Administrative Assistants. May manage consultant contracts and direct consultants.

Has work contacts with City appointed officials, department staff, co-workers, consultants, MPO Technical Advisory Committee and Policy Board, other City commissions and committees as necessary, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), local government agencies, transportation advocates, developers, surveyors, realtors and general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Organizes and prepares professional and technical studies, analyzes, and makes recommendations in connection with the current and long-range physical, social, and economic development of the City.

Provides direct staff support to the Janesville Area MPO including preparation and maintenance of the Long Range Transportation Plan, Six Year Transportation Improvement Program, Annual MPO Work Program, quarterly progress reports, transit related projects, and special studies or projects.

Coordinates transportation planning and decision-making processes, and establishes a public participation process that ensures reasonable opportunities for early and continuing involvement, including outreach efforts to traditionally disadvantaged populations.
Prepares technical and professional planning reports, analyzes and summarizes existing conditions, reaches conclusions, and makes recommendations on the comprehensive plan, transportation plan, land development proposals, site plan review, and other short and long range planning activities. Assists in preparing and administering grant funding proposals.
Researches and collects data and prepares related charts, graphs, and maps related to projects using ESRI’s mapping software, or other software provided by the City of Janesville.

Coordinates with WisDOT and Janesville Transit System to establish all federally required MPO performance targets. Collects, analyzes, and shares performance data and performance reports.
In consultation with the Janesville Transit System, develops and fulfills reporting requirements for the Title VI program and activities. This includes maintaining the Language Assistance Plan and performing environmental justice analysis for projects and plans as required.
Responds to inquiries and informational requests by developers, realtors, media, business community, and the general public regarding application and interpretation of City development codes and ordinances, including zoning, floodplain, subdivision regulations, future locations of streets, parks, schools, greenbelts and other community facilities. Provides information related to census and socio-economic data.

Acts as technical advisor within field of specialization to other planners within the department, to other city departments and the administration.

May be assigned specific program duties within a department such as: review of site plans, land development proposals (conditional use permits, re-zonings, survey maps, plats, etc.), site plan and concept design preparation for other City departments (i.e. public facility projects), preparation of neighborhood plans, and special project graphic and design support.
Provides general technical and maintenance support for the Plan Commission, Janesville Historic Commission, Sustainable Janesville Committee, City Council and other boards or committees as instructed.

Performs other special projects and other duties as assigned or required during regular and non-business hours, including providing support as a part of any City response to essential or emergency operations.

REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the essential duties of the position.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Minimum two (2) years’ experience municipal environment.

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, including modern land use and transportation planning concepts.
Knowledge or skills in physical planning, spatial analysis, and design.
Knowledge of standard analytical and research methodologies and statistical procedures.

Skill in:

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Access, and Outlook. Proficient in Adobe Acrobat.
Proficient in the use of ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Suite of products (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox).

Ability to:

Ability to systematically compile and analyze technical and statistical information and reports and present the results in a clear and concise manner to the general public.
Ability to interpret and explain applicable City codes and ordinances.
Ability to research, collect and analyze data.
Ability to develop, coordinate, plan, and prioritize projects and programs.
Ability to prepare maps, charts, sketches, and complex graphics.
Ability to effectively organize and speak at public meetings.
Ability to interpret and understand blueprints, plats, and other development documents.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and within the boundaries of responsibility.
Ability to prioritize and schedule a variety of tasks in a diversified and fast pace environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City appointed officials, Department and Division Heads, various City commissions and committees, staff members, consultants, co-workers, other governmental agencies, developers, surveyors, realtors, residents, and the general public.
Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times; address resident and customer concerns in a helpful, courteous manner.
Must be reliable, steady, timely, and proactive in completion of duties.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidential information, must possess a high level of integrity, and adopt a professional work ethic.
Have, or ability to obtain, a valid state-issued driver’s license.