Senior Planner

Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes' regional council, Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), is seeking a Senior Planner to join our team. GPCOG unites cities and towns across rural, suburban, and urban areas to collaboratively plan for our region’s future. We are committed to enhancing community life and making our region a top destination through various programs, services, and initiatives.

We value the growing diversity of our communities and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of our work. This commitment drives us to create an inclusive organizational culture and ensure equitable access and opportunities for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, GPCOG observes all applicable laws and welcomes applicants regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or other protected characteristics. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for our career opportunities.

To support our team, we offer benefits that promote work/life balance, including flexible schedules, remote work options, professional development, and health insurance. As part of the Planning Team, you will advance best practices in municipal land use planning, zoning, and development, provide responsive services to our communities, build relationships with area planning professionals, and skillfully guide complex projects of regional importance. If you have a passion for planning the kinds of places where people want to be and have experience successfully managing challenging projects, we’d love to have you join us!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Provide responsive land use and related planning services and expertise to municipalities in the region.
• Provide project management services on complex, high-impact projects, staying on schedule and within budget.
• Produce high quality deliverables that can be used as an example and future model.
• Conceptualize infrastructure in the context of the built environment.
• Participate in regional land use and transportation planning efforts. Examples include comprehensive plans, housing analysis/studies, transit-oriented development plans, corridor studies, implementation of Vision Zero and Complete Streets.
• Assist with the development of the two-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for the metropolitan planning organization (MPO), which specifies the region’s short-term transportation planning priorities.
• Research best practices and emerging trends, technologies; identify potential funding opportunities; make related recommendations for implementation.
• Prepare maps, charts, and data visualizations, present findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Participate in various interagency, local, regional, and state meetings and activities.
• Share skills, knowledge, and work with others.
• Work as part of a team to create successful proposals for future work.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Manage consultants, as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Demonstrated background and expertise in urban or regional planning, with particular emphasis on Maine land use planning law and rules, transportation planning, public policy, program/project management, or another field that would support the candidate’s ability to carry out the above responsibilities.
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to understand challenges, think strategically, and identify/implement solutions.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences, including elected officials, technical staff, MPO committees/boards, and the public. Attention to detail and in applying quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities.
• Strong organizational, program/project management, and analytical skills (both qualitative and quantitative), including proficiency in working with spreadsheets and databases, basic data analysis and demographic projections and visualizations.
• A professional commitment to working toward the smart growth goals for the region, including providing equitable access; supporting great places; improving safety; expanding transportation choices; protecting the environment; and optimizing infrastructure.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

WHAT TO KNOW

• GPCOG offers a flexible hybrid work model, allowing remote work with the requirement to attend community events and meetings in the Greater Portland area.
• This role involves occasional travel within the Greater Portland region and may require extended hours.
• Enjoy a dynamic, flexible, and creative work environment with competitive benefits, and annual salary from the mid-seventies for a well-qualified candidate.
• Work hours are generally flexible, up to 40 hours per week, with some adjustments possible based on your needs and contributions.

WHAT TO DO NOW

Visit https://tinyurl.com/n8upzwva no later than September 29, 2024, to provide your contact information, and:

a. Upload your cover letter. Explain why you are interested in joining GPCOG as a senior planner.

b. Upload Your résumé. Include details about your education, relevant experience, and skills.

1. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and hiring decisions may be made before the application deadline.
2. All applications must be submitted through this application portal to be considered.

MORE TO KNOW

GPCOG operates as the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (PACTS), the regional Economic Development District, and the state-recognized regional planning agency, serving 25 member municipalities and other communities across the Greater Portland region. As Maine’s economic hub, Greater Portland offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for both work and living. GPCOG is dedicated to advancing racial equity, social justice, and environmental sustainability, striving to foster inclusive and sustainable prosperity throughout the Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes regions.

Visit us at www.gpcog.org.