Principal Planner

About the role

The Principal Planner class provides planning policy expertise at the State level. This position is in the State Office of Planning Coordination with broad responsibilities for coordinating the State's overall planning policy, functioning as the top management level of planning professional in representing the State's top officials in planning policies at the state, regional and national level. This position is for one of three “Circuit Rider Planners” in the office. The incumbent will be assigned as the primary contact and liaison for all of the local governments within one of Delaware’s counties, and also work on a diverse array of statewide planning projects as a part of our team.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and assess data, problems, and issues and their impact on programs, plans or the current environment.
• Define and evaluate alternative uses of resources, viable options/approaches and anticipated costs and benefits, consequences and outcomes using present and projected information.
• Develop recommended course of action for public and private decisions in formal plans and policies including policy statements, budget allocations, regulations and/or legislation to affect and facilitate change and reach objectives.
• Formulate plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of communities.
• Develop, promote and market strategies for the implementation of plans, policies and programs.
• Build consensus with community leaders, customers, advocates, and other affected parties via negotiations, mediation and facilitation.
• Involve and educate special interest groups, customers, and public officials via variety of forums, e.g., seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports.
• Coordinate planning activities and policies across state, regional, county and local levels; integrate with other entities outside the state.
• Provide technical assistance, training and education for understanding and managing change.
• Design and manage the planning process.
• Systematically evaluate the impact of plan implementation and incorporate findings with the ongoing planning process.

Requirements

• Experience in applying the principles and practices of planning related to land use and geospatial data coordination.
• Experience in interpreting the laws, rules, regulations and procedures in land use and geospatial data.
• Experience in planning project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating planning projects to ensure objectives are met.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hire's Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.
• All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment; sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
• As a condition of hire, the applicant must agree to obtain AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification within 24 months of accepting the position.

Qualifications

• Experience in using ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, such as ArcGIS Pro, Spatial Analyst, or ArcGIS (preferred qualification).

Benefits

• Eligible for telework according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
• Comprehensive benefit package details available at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/.