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Senior Planner

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Senior Planner

Salary

$85,987.20 - $139,526.40 Annually

Location

390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2025-00141

Division

Community Development

Department

Administrative Management

Opening Date

05/16/2025

Closing Date

6/8/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.More information about us on our website.

We are committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.

The Community Development Division is a leader for racial equity within the Council and the region. Our staff, working environment, relationships, and investments reflect our commitment to racial equity. We have set the following goals to guide our work:

+ Grow staff capacity and foster an equitable workplace.

+ Center equity in process and priorities.

+ Foster trusting relationships and deep collaboration.

Local Planning Assistance leads the Council's implementation of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act as well as the development and implementation of the regional development guide and policy plans. This work unit implements the Act through the Sector Representative Program and reviews comprehensive plans, amendments to those plans, and environmental reviews, which deal with an array of land use, transportation, housing, parks, natural systems, climate strategies, and other issues. This unit also provides planning technical assistance to Metropolitan Council Members and communities in the local implementation of regional policies.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Senior Planner will join a collaborative team from various planning, geography, natural systems, public health, and related backgrounds with values centered on service, relationships, equity, innovation, and accountability.

The Senior Planner will:

+ Apply local planning and policy expertise in support of the development and implementation of the regional development guide (currently Imagine 2050), and its Regional Systems and Policy Plans.

+ Apply local government experience and build long-standing relationships with Metropolitan Council Members and local government representatives.

+ Be part of a collaborative team implementing land use policy that guides the growth and development of the region as established in the regional development guide, Imagine 2050, advising on the intersections of land use with the regional system and policy areas.

+ Develop resources and technical assistance tools related to a variety of planning topics like land use, climate change, environmental justice and others in local planning and implementation.

+ Contribute to and facilitate review of local comprehensive plans, comprehensive plan amendments, environmental reviews, and other types of planning reviews.

+ Grow capacity, foster an equitable workplace; center equity in process and priorities; and foster trusting relationships and deep collaboration.

NOTES:After a period of on-site on-boarding, this position is eligible for a hybrid (remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Occasional travel is expected between primary Council work sites in the Twin Cities Metro area as well as visits to local government partners, agencies, and other organizational partners as the work requires. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.

What you would do in this job

+ Act as a liaison to local units of government as a Sector Representative which includes: coordinating meetings, presentations, and disseminating Council policies; serving as a conduit of information to the Council on issues and opportunities in the region from a local government perspective; providing technical assistance to local units of government in coordination with cross-divisional teams to assist with local comprehensive plan and regional goal implementation; and establishing cooperative and long-standing relationships with local government and community partners, and other stakeholders.

+ Coordinate cross-divisional review of local comprehensive plans, amendments, environmental reviews, and other submittals which includes: applying Council policies to specific situations and identifying issues; establishing cooperative relationships with personnel across all divisions of the Council; meeting with principal reviewers (such as local government officials and staff, and Council Members) to share points of view, identify problems, and resolve differences; and analyzing policy impacts, negotiating a resolution of conflicts, and presenting staff reports and recommendations to the Council and its committees.

+ Communicate daily with Council members, local staff, officials, developers, federal and state agencies, and members of the public regarding specific review issues and Council policies.

+ Represent the Council with external agencies and organizations as it relates to areas of assigned responsibility such as reviews, Council policy, and as a land use subject matter expert.

+ Serve as primary staff for the Local Planning Assistance team on work related to the Council’s climate change initiatives, particularly implementation of climate-related land use policies but also including and not limited to, participation in or lead on collaborative cross-divisional climate teams, update of the regional climate vulnerability assessment, maintenance and updates related to the urban tree canopy program, and others.

+ Coordinate with external partners on technical assistance for local units of government to develop tools and resources to assist in implementation of land use climate planning requirements and regional climate goals in support of local comprehensive planning and implementation efforts.

+ Participate in the development and implementation of policy assessments, reports, and regional plans and policies. Relate plans to guiding statutes and Council goals.

+ Develop scopes of work for various plans, projects, and guidance documents and manage assigned projects which may include cross-divisional coordination using project management principles.

+ As a project manager or mentor, may oversee the work of other technical staff, students, or interns.

+ Foster a customer service mentality and ensure a high level of service to all stakeholders.

+ Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful professional environment that values lived experiences, culture, and diversity among all stakeholders and colleagues.

+ Other related duties, as assigned.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of education (degree in geography, urban studies, environmental studies, urban planning; community development, or related field)AND experience in land use planning or climate-related experience such as development review, climate/sustainability planning, plan implementation or long-range planning with a local unit of government, such as city, county or township.

+ High school diploma/GEDAND eight (8) years of experience.

+ Associate degreeANDsix (6) years of experience.

+ Bachelor's degreeAND four (4) years of related experience.

+ Master's degreeANDtwo (2) years of related experience.

*For all levels of education at least two (2) of the years of experience must be in development review and permitting, ordinance writing, planning implementation, or long-range planning with a local unit of government, such as a city, county, or township.

What additional skills and experience would be highly desired in this job (desired qualifications):

+ Six or more years of planning-related professional experience with a strong preference for local government experience working for, or on behalf of, a city as the staff planner or planning consultant.

+ Experience working with a range of community types (large city to small town to rural area) on land use issues related to sustainability, climate change, climate resilience, or similar. Strong preference for special expertise or focus in one of these areas.

+ Experience incorporating issues of sustainability and climate change into local planning efforts, such as long-range plans and ordinances.

+ Application of environmental justice frameworks, practices, or programs within planning work.

+ Demonstrated experience in effectively interpreting and communicating complex or technical information to lay audiences.

+ Demonstrated experience in successfully leading/managing projects, coordinating the work of the project team, and delivering work within identified timeframes.

+ Implementation of comprehensive plans, small area plans, neighborhood plans, or other initiatives.

+ Racial and social equity experience and/or training along with a demonstrated ability, or growth capacity, to participate in conversations about race and equity, as well as identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives meaningfully into the work.

+ American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or a demonstrated, sustained commitment to learning within the field of policy and planning.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

+ Basic knowledge of the governmental environment in which the Metropolitan Council works.

+ Knowledge of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and the regional planning role the Metropolitan Council plays in relationship to local governments.

+ Clear understanding of the historical context of the Council and the people it serves and how the Council can work to acknowledge, repair, and reduce regional racial disparities.

+ Extensive knowledge of Council policies, practices, and operational procedures.

+ Extensive knowledge of policy analysis and planning principles, methods, and theory.

+ Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and consistently and effectively apply the policy guidelines of the Council.

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.

+ Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply Council policy effectively in the policy analysis or development process.

What you can expect from us:

+ We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

+ We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training, external professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement may be available.

+ We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace.

+ We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council’s ability to serve the region and strives to effectively support all employees.

+ We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

+ We offer the ability to set a flexible work schedule and work remotely/telework when workload and work scope allows.

More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)

Additional information

Union/Grade: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)/GradeH

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be: You would perform your work in a standard office setting with hybrid telework options available. Occasional travel between primary Council work sites in the Twin Cities Metro area as well as visits to local government partners, agencies, and other organizational partners as the work requires. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

What steps the recruitment process involve:

+ We review your minimum qualifications.

+ We rate your education and experience.

+ We conduct a structured panel interview.

+ We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email [email protected].

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

+ Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund

+ Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan

+ Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

+ Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

+ Well@Work clinic

+ bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year

+ parking at many job locations

+ fitness centers at many job locations

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

All professional and educational experience included in your responses to the supplemental questions below must be fully described in the work experience section of your application. References to “see resume” are not accepted and if included in the responses below, you may not be considered for this position. The responses to the supplemental questions may determine if you are offered an interview. We strongly suggest that attention is given to providing full and complete answers to all questions. The information you provide in these combined materials is how we gauge your skills. Your responses will weigh heavily in the decision-making process. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please select the option below that reflects your education level and experience level.

+ A high school diploma/GED AND eight (8) years of experience in land use planning or climate-related experience such as development review, climate/sustainability planning, plan implementation or long-range planning with a local unit of government, or a related field.

+ An Associate degree AND six (6) years of experience in land use planning or climate-related experience such as development review, climate/sustainability planning, plan implementation or long-range planning with a local unit of government, or a related field.

+ A Bachelor's degree in geography, urban studies, environmental studies, urban planning; community development, or related field AND four (4) of experience in land use planning or climate-related experience such as development review, climate/sustainability planning, plan implementation or long-range planning with a local unit of government, or a related field.

+ Master's degree in geography, urban studies, environmental studies, urban planning; community development, or related field AND two (2) years of related experience in land use planning or climate-related experience such as development review, climate/sustainability planning, plan implementation or long-range planning with a local unit of government, or a related field.

+ Some education in Urban and Regional Planning with major coursework in geography, urban studies, environmental studies, urban planning, community development; or a similar program as well as demonstrated experience in effectively interpreting and communicating complex or technical information to lay audiences, but less than the options above.

+ None of the above.

03

Do you have least two (2) years of experience in development review and permitting, ordinance writing, planning implementation, or long-range planning with a local unit of government, such as a city, county, or township.

+ Yes

+ No

04

Please select all of the areas you have work experience in.

+ Six or more years of professional local government planning experience

+ Experience working on complex land use and/or climate planning issues

+ Experience incorporating climate and sustainability into local planning efforts

+ Application of environmental justice frameworks, practices, or programs in planning

+ Demonstrated experience communicating complex information to lay audiences

+ Demonstrated project management experience

+ Implementation of local comprehensive plans or other plan types

+ Racial or social equity experience or training; or skilled participant in racial equity conversations

05

Please tell us what interests you about this position. Describe your land use and climate/sustainability planning experience, specifically your experience working with local governments, and how it aligns with the work of this position. As part of your response, include relevant responsibilities and one significant impact or key accomplishment. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

06

Please describe your experience in successfully leading/managing projects, coordinating the work of the project team, and working within deadlines. Describe your role and level of responsibility, the types of project(s), and any collaborative efforts you used to complete the work. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

07

Describe your experience incorporating sustainability or climate change considerations into local planning, including your role, the type of governmental unit you worked for, and the specific types of issues that you addressed in your work. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

08

At the Metropolitan Council, the employees in the Community Development Division actively work to advance equity as part of planning for and service to all people in the region and as co-workers within the Division, and environmental justice outcomes are a key component of this position. Describe how you have advanced equity and/or environmental justice within your work and/or within your personal experiences. Provide an example of how you have integrated equity into a work product or process that resulted in a more equitable outcome. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

09

Please describe your experience explaining complex or technical information related to land use or climate planning issues. This can include how you have helped frame conversations or prepared information for policymakers, elected officials, residents, or other stakeholders to understand local planning issues or the outcomes of planning policies. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

10

Please describe your experience building trust, developing relationships, or engaging stakeholders around a planning issue, policy development, or plan implementation. Include your role and outcomes achieved as a result of the engagement. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."

Required Question

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org

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