MIDAS is currently offering a $3,000 bonus for new planner hires.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Planner II performs a variety of community development functions that include planning, grant writing, grant management, and administrative services to member governments. The Planner II performs according to direction given by the Community Development Director, but is required to perform at an increasingly independent and responsible level.

The position is covered under the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) along with an excellent benefit package including vacation, holiday and sick leave, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible health spending account, life insurance, and short and long-term disability. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Prepares grant applications. 
• Provides grant administrative services, including project coordination, documentation, and financial reporting. 
• Meets with member governments to identify community needs, discuss concerns, and develop potential solutions.
• Conducts comprehensive planning activities, including land use, zoning, housing, economic development, transportation, and other planning-related activities.
• Researches available funding opportunities and alternative funding sources for community projects and communicates opportunities to member governments. 
• Assists with the development and implementation of community development programs, human services initiatives, and specialized planning projects. 
• Assists member governments with reviewing, updating, and revising their municipal codes of ordinances.  
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to member governments on planning, grant opportunities, community development, and related programs. 
• Explains and promotes MIDAS programs and services to member governments. 
• Assists with limited training and guidance to Planner I staff by sharing technical knowledge on projects, and helping develop planning and grant administration skills. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, or be able to explain and demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Ability to perform mathematical and statistical calculations and analyze data. 
• Strong knowledge of financial administration, budgeting, grant management, and project administration practices. 
• Advanced knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques, including comprehensive planning, land use, zoning, and community development.
• Thorough knowledge of the organization, structure, and functions of municipal and county government. 
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to governmental units.
• Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and apply technical information.
• Ability to independently research, prepare, administer, and manage grant and loan applications and related documentation. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, member governments, the public, and representatives of other organizations. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports, grant applications, and planning documents and present complex information in an organized and understandable manner. 
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize, manage, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, establish priorities, and consistently meet deadlines.
•  Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify potential problems, develop solutions, and make recommendations with minimal supervision. 
• Sufficient mobility to work in an office environment and travel throughout the six-county region to meet with elected and appointed officials and attend meetings. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in community and regional planning, public administration, political science, journalism, business administration, geography, economics, or a related field.
• Work Experience:  At least two years of increasingly responsible experience, or one year of increasingly responsible experience if a Master’s Degree is held in one of the above referenced fields of study.  An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
• Required licenses, registrations and certifications: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed within the MIDAS Council of Governments buildings and throughout the six-county area to meet with member governments and other organizations and attend meetings. Most work is performed indoors in an office setting and involves sitting at a desk for extended periods, operating computers and other office equipment, and moving throughout the office and traveling to various locations within the region. The position requires regular interaction with elected and appointed public officials, community representatives, and the public. Work may involve frequent interruptions and the need to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 

HOURS OF WORK 

Anticipated 40 hours per week. The MIDAS office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Start and end times may vary dependent on work assignments. The employee may be required to work additional hours, adjust work hours, and work evenings and/or weekends to attend meetings or meet agency operational needs. Frequent travel throughout the six-county region is required.