Associate Planner

The Metropolitan Council's Community Development Division is accepting applications for Associate Planners.

After a period of onsite onboarding, this position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Occasional travel is expected between primary Council work sites in the Twin Cities Metro area as well as visits to local government partners, agencies, and other organizational partners as the work requires. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.

We are committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Community Development Division is a leader for racial equity within the Council and the region. Our staff, working environment, relationships, and investments reflect our commitment to racial equity. We have set the following goals to guide our work:

* Grow staff capacity and foster an equitable work place.
* Center equity in process and priorities.
* Foster trusting relationships and deep collaboration.

Local Planning Assistance leads the Council's implementation of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act as well as the development and implementation of the metropolitan development guide and policy plans. This work unit implements the Act through the Sector Representative Program and reviews comprehensive plans, amendments to those plans, and environmental reviews, which deal with an array of land use, transportation, housing, parks, natural systems, resilience strategies, and other issues. This unit also provides planning technical assistance to Metropolitan Council Members and communities in the local implementation of regional policies.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
Persons in this position will join a collaborative team of 10 people from various planning, geography, natural systems, public health, legal, and related backgrounds with values centered in service, relationships, equity, innovation, and accountability.

Persons in this position will:

• apply a clear understanding of the theories and concepts associated with land use and related planning areas.
• apply land use and planning principles to support the work unit's responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of the metropolitan development guide, regional systems plans, and regional policy plans which includes review of local comprehensive plans, plan amendments, environmental reviews, and other planning types of reviews.
• support staff throughout the Council's review process of local comprehensive plans, comprehensive plan amendments, environmental reviews, permits, and other types of planning reviews including coordination with technical staff across the Council.
• support technical assistance efforts and resource development for local governments to help incorporate regional policies into local plans, planning efforts, and development review.
• participate in projects as part of a collaborative team developing regional land use policy that guides the growth and development of the region.
• grow capacity; foster an equitable workplace; center equity in process and priorities; and foster trusting relationships and deep collaboration.

• Support senior staff as part of a collaborative project team; gather and analyze data on assigned projects; perform portions of projects individually with guidance from senior staff; and participate in the development of policy and planning practices at the regional level.

• Assist in research and analysis of land use and comprehensive planning data, assist in regional planning studies, perform technical analysis using spreadsheet and database programs, and assist in the implementation of regional policy.

• Use Council data and databases, as well as ArcGIS to create maps and reports to support work that demonstrates outcomes, informs decision-makers, and supports evaluation of policies and programs. This may include coordinating with Council GIS staff.

• Prepare plans, charts, reports, and other documents for use by other persons or groups affected by or involved in planning functions.

• Provide technical assistance to local governments including development of tools, resources, educational programs, and other relevant tasks.

• Foster a customer service mentality and ensure a high level of service to all stakeholders requiring timely and accurate information.

• Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful professional environment that values lived experiences, culture, and diversity among all stakeholders and colleagues.

• Perform related work as apparent or assigned.

Any of the following combinations in completed education (with major coursework in urban planning, community development, environmental studies, geography, or a related field) and experience (in urban planning, community development, environmental planning, geography, or a related field):

• High school diploma/GED with four years of experience
• Associate degree with two years of experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree with no experience requirement

• Advanced level coursework towards a degree in urban planning, community development, environmental studies, geography or a related field.
• Experience (of any duration) working for a city, town, or county performing planning duties, such as plan review, zoning permit review, ordinance review or enforcement, long-range planning, or plan implementation.
• Experience implementing or reviewing ordinances, planning documents, zoning applications, site plans, or similar work.
• Project management, data management, or other detail-oriented, organizational management experience.
• Demonstrated experience gathering and analyzing data (quantitative, qualitative, and geographic) to inform policy decisions.
• Experience applying knowledge of racial inequities resulting from the nation and region's history of policies and practices into your work.
• Experience with policy analysis and planning principles, methods, and theory.
• Experience with the principles and practices of local government planning and of the governmental environment in which the Council works.
• Experience communicating tactfully and clearly to a diverse audience of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Advanced experience in GIS, MS Word and Excel.

• Knowledge of the purposes, objectives, guidelines, criteria, and processes of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act.
• Knowledge of the Council's roles in regional policy development and implementation.
• Ability to interpret a comprehensive plan, including maps and tables of land use.
• Extensive knowledge of Council business and technology systems for data analysis, technology solutions for communication and research, and GIS mapping in the region.
• Basic knowledge of the governmental environment in which the Metropolitan Council works as it applies to the Metropolitan Land Planning Act and local and regional policy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across Council work units (Livable Communities, Environmental Services, Research, Parks, Transportation, etc.) in order to assist and inform development of technical assistance and planning reviews.
• Ability to apply problem-solving techniques to a variety of areas within a given project.
• Ability to participate in Local Planning Assistance efforts to provide technical assistance, develop/implement regional policy, and collaborate with partners/stakeholders to reduce racial disparities and advance equitable outcomes for all people in the region.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training, external professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement may be available.
• We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace.
• We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council's ability to serve the region and strives to effectively support all employees.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.
• We offer the ability to set a flexible work schedule and work remotely when workload and work scope allows.

Union/Grade: AFSCME / Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.