Senior Planner-Sustainability

Job Description

Salary: $66,000 to $75,000

As Central Ohios regional council, MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships, counties, and regional organizations, serving rural, suburban, and urban areas.We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on the best practices and plans for the future of our growing region. We do this through several programs, services, projects, and initiatives all with the goal of improving the lives of our residents and making Central Ohio stand out on the world stage.

One of Central Ohios greatest strengths is the variety of our communities and to best serve our region MORPC strongly values a wide range of perspectives. MORPC strives to reflect those values in our workforce, our endeavors, and our positive impact on the region. Our work progresses when our team can draw on a broad spectrum of personal experiences and backgrounds, and when each member is open to learning from the experiences of others, both internally and externally. As an equal opportunity employer, we fully support all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and do not discriminate against applicants for employment or employees based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance in any aspects of our personnel policies, working conditions, or hiring and recruitment.

MORPC recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and, as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. Eligible employees receive a free system-wide transit pass and discounted access to other alternative transportation modes to provide options for commuting to work. MORPC encourages opportunities for career advancement through generous tuition and professional development incentives, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. For eligible permanent positions, MORPC also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. MORPC employees may also be eligible for excellent health, vision, and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, employer-paid short-term & long-term disability coverage, employer-paid life insurance in the amount of $50,000 coverage, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, plus two Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding.

The Senior Planner is a professional position utilizing skills in planning, project management, communications, and critical thinking to lead and assist on multiple projects and programs. The Senior Planner works under the direct supervision of the Senior Energy & Sustainability Program Manager and is guided by higher level positions on a frequent basis. The Senior Planner may also supervise Associate Planners and planning student interns.

This position will split their time by supporting projects within the MORPC Sustainability section and providing planning assistance directly to Central Ohio communities. Examples of community-based planning may include assisting with sustainability, energy, climate, or water resources planning, along with conducting other day-to-day activities of local government planning. When not providing community-based planning assistance, the Senior Planner will be supporting key regional initiatives, such as Sustainable2050, air quality monitoring, water resources planning, climate and electric vehicle planning, and other agency programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, and have a passion for collaboration and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Apply planning knowledge to support key sustainability initiatives related to regional climate planning, electric vehicle infrastructure, energy, water resources, air quality, and Sustainable2050 technical assistance to members.

Support MORPCs local government members with community-based planning and day-to-day assistance with a regional planning perspective.

Provide support for additional technical assistance services, such as consultant review and pre-qualification, and assist with planning workshops for local governments.

As a member of multidisciplinary teams, coordinate and collaborate effectively with colleagues of a variety of professional backgrounds to advance regional priorities and projects.

Analyze technical information and utilize storytelling methods to communicate findings to various audiences in verbal and written formats.

Design educational/informational programming and events for diverse stakeholder audiences related to MORPC and/or member initiatives.

Serve as a liaison to the Central Ohio community, by preparing materials/presentations and other information for - and facilitating meetings and engagement with - MORPC members, partners, stakeholders, and/or the public.

Provide responsive and professional customer service.

Participate in professional associations, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to maintain technical and subject matter expertise.

Actively support MORPC's Affirmative Action Plan, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Diversity program, Code of Ethics and other MORPC policies.

These duties are illustrative only and you may perform some or all these duties or other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive understanding and experience with local government planning areas such as land use, zoning, transportation, housing, policy, and ways to incorporate sustainability into these planning related initiatives.

This position requires strong organizational and time management skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a passion for collaboration and innovation.

The ideal candidate can quickly adapt to different working environments and possess an elevated level of curiosity and professionalism.

Previous local government experience is desired.

Working knowledge of MS Office 365 suite is essential.

Experience with ArcGIS Online is preferred.

This is a team-oriented position, although the applicant must possess the ability to work independently.

A strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal communication skills are a must.

Experience and knowledge collaborating with New American communities, low-income communities, and communities of color is a plus.

Applicants should have a clear understanding of regional planning principles and sustainability planning best practices.

Applicants shall also have a strong understanding of how to incorporate and integrate equity, inclusion, and accessibility into the planning process to inform and guide outreach/engagement and influence policy, programs, and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a bachelors degree in City and Regional Planning, Geography, Natural Resources, Environment, Sustainability, Public Policy, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or related field plus a minimum of three years of related experience.

An advanced degree in the appropriate field of study is acceptable as a substitute for one year of experience.

Supplemental Information:

Excellent benefit package. MORPC is an EOE/AAP employer.

Please apply online at or you may mail a resume to or complete an application at MORPC, 111 Liberty St., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43215 ATTN: PL-2-25

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we cannot accept phone call inquiries.

Full-time

Hybrid remote