Senior Planner

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission ( seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Senior Planner in the Planning, Community and Economic Development Department. The ideal candidate will combine project management and teamwork skills with strong communication and organizational skills, and will demonstrate integrity and dedication to the work and to the communities of Northwest Georgia. This is an on‑site, in‑office position, with frequent project meetings and site visits within Northwest Georgia and occasional attendance at state conferences and trainings. This position is responsible for performing senior planning duties for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission. Major Duties Prepares comprehensive plans, including facilitation of public meetings, data analysis, community surveys, draft plan documents, and presentations. Prepares local and regional studies and plans requiring research and planning recommendations, including environmental reviews and reports. Convenes and conducts public meetings and hearings with local governments and agencies; prepares and presents public presentations. Assists local governments with zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, and other ordinances. Provides a range of planning and technical assistance to local governments in the implementation of local and regional plans, ordinances, and strategies. May assist with or develop grant applications. Performs related duties. Knowledge Required Regional, comprehensive, and community planning principles Relevant federal, state, and local laws, and the Georgia Planning Act Preferred: Environmental planning (natural resource protection, watershed planning, hazard mitigation, resilience, linkage with land use) Preferred: Early planning-stage environmental compliance familiarity for preparation of environmental reviews of publicly funded projects Data-driven planning methods Transportation and infrastructure linkages Public engagement and intergovernmental coordination practices General familiarity with typical state/federal funding programs Skills Write local and regional comprehensive and area plans with technical accuracy, clear implementation steps, and a reader‑friendly, visually effective design Discuss and incorporate environmental needs and constraints; prepare environmental reviews Facilitate public engagement and incorporate results into plans Coordinate with cities/counties, regional partners, and state/federal agencies Manage multiple project schedules, deliverables, and deadlines Abilities Apply judgment to balance competing priorities and present clear options/ recommendations Work independently; prioritize workload; maintain consistent quality Communicate effectively in public meetings/hearings Maintain effective working relationships and professionalism in a multi‑jurisdictional regional commission setting Provide technical guidance/ mentorship to junior staff Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field; And Sufficient experience to understand the work and to be able to understand questions and resolve problems, usually associated with three or more years’ experience; Or An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed Requires a valid State of Georgia driver’s license Preferred Qualifications, in addition to the above minimum qualifications Combination of education or experience in environmental planning Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or related fields American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification or desire to acquire within 2 years Supervisory Controls Receives assignments from the Planning Director or Assistant Planning Director in terms of broad mission objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Independently plans and carries out work; resolves routine problems; coordinates with others as needed. Work is reviewed at internal milestones. Guidelines Guidelines include applicable federal and state laws and regulations (including Georgia Planning Act and Georgia DCA requirements); program/funding requirements; professional planning standards; and Regional Commission policies and procedures. Complexity Work consists of varied planning, research, and technical assistance assignments across multiple jurisdictions. Complexity results from integrating competing priorities, multiple stakeholders, evolving conditions, and the need to integrate social, economic, environmental, and infrastructure factors into clear, defensible plans. Scope and Effect Provide planning leadership and technical assistance to member governments; conduct research and analysis; and prepare short- and long-range plans for local jurisdictions and the region. Work affects community decision-making, project readiness, and regional quality‑of‑life outcomes in Northwest Georgia. Contacts Contacts are typically with co‑workers, representatives from member governments, elected officials, state and federal agencies, and the public, to give information, resolve problems, and provide services. Physical Demands The work is typically performed in an office while sitting at a desk or table, standing, walking, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects. Supervisory and Management Responsibility Provides day‑to‑day technical guidance and task direction to lower‑level staff, as assigned. May serve as project lead. Salary Range $60,000-$70,000 based on qualifications. Job Type Full Time In Office; Schedule: 8 hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm with travel and occasional evening meetings 401(k) Health Insurance Vision Insurance Flexible Savings/ Health Savings Account Applications for this position will be accepted until filled. E-verify, drug screening, and background checks are required for all new hires. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Programs Additional Info Job Type : Full-Time #J-18808-Ljbffr