Montgomery County – Administrator, Business Assistance and Resources

April 17, 2019 / / Comments Off on Montgomery County – Administrator, Business Assistance and Resources

POSITION TITLE:  Administrator, Business Assistance and Resources
EXEMPT:  Yes
DEPARTMENT:  Commerce
POSITION REPORTING:  Director of Commerce
SALARY: $56,790.00

LAST UPDATE:  April 2019

SUMMARY:  In coordination with the Commerce Department leadership and staff, this position will be responsible for providing technical assistance to businesses, institutions, and other entities interested in economic and workforce development programs and assistance, including economic development financing programs, available through the Commerce Department and partners.  The position requires a high degree of discretion, an ability to maintain a consistent professional demeanor, and a comfort with managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  This person is willing to participate in a team environment and work toward continuous improvement of services. Any and all additional responsibilities may be required at the request of the Director of Commerce.

ESSTENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serves as a lead point of contact for businesses seeking information on economic and workforce development programs and assistance.
  • May serve as the primary Commerce Department staff person detailed to an entity or entities of the Commerce Department.
  • Serves as a liaison to the constituent entities of the Commerce Department as well as committees and task forces thereof as the direction of the Director of Commerce.
  • Works with Commerce Department staff and partner organizations to ensure wrap-around services and/or opportunities are offered to entrepreneurs and businesses.
  • Prepares documentation for economic development financing applications (which may include generating spreads, writing credit, project, and/or company background narratives, preparing loan packages, and assisting with loan closings) in conjunction with borrowers and other project lenders as well as working with appropriate parties to move eligible applications through the approval process.
  • Performs economic development financing administration activities including (but not limited to) recording delinquencies, assisting with collection efforts, and preparing reports for funding entities.
  • Coordinates with other Commerce Department staff to ensure timely reporting on economic development programs & grants as directed.
  • Works with the Director of Commerce to develop relationships with business financing stakeholders (commercial lenders, CDFIs, etc.), Chambers of Commerce, and partner organizations.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with organizations that provide technical assistance, business financing, and support to Montgomery County businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Ensures completion of required data entry into appropriate databases (CWDS, Executive Pulse, etc.) in coordination with Commerce Department staff.
  • Ensures completion of required annual reporting to state entities as directed.

(Essential Duties and Responsibilities – continued)

  • Develops deep knowledge of federal and state funding streams to help create potential financing and assistance packages for businesses in Montgomery County.
  • Interfaces with and tracks companies who seek economic and workforce development assistance from the County.
  • Represents the Commerce Department at the direction of the Director of Commerce;
  • Attends to other duties and tasks at the direction of the Director of Commerce and senior County leadership.

QUALIFICIATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty   satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Applicant must have or be willing to obtain the skills noted. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  •     Ideally 5+ years working in economic and workforce development, commercial lending, finance, or a related field.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
  • An understanding of and experience with public sector economic and workforce development programs and practices.
  • An understanding of public sector expectations for performance and professionalism;
  • Experience preparing and packaging grant and/or business finance applications, government reports, and/or publications & marketing materials.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, customer relations management (CRM) or similar project management software/database systems.
  •     Demonstrated ability to seek, building, and further develop partnerships across a wide spectrum of public, private, and/or non-profit entities.
  • Project and team management skills along with an ability to effectively manage deadlines and coordinate work across multiple ad hoc and/or established groups, task force, committees, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:       

The   physical   demands   described   here   are representative   of   those   that   must   be   met   by   an   employee   to successfully   perform   the   essential   functions   of   this   job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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City of Trenton – Senior Planner

April 12, 2019 / / Comments Off on City of Trenton – Senior Planner

Department of Housing and Economic Development, Division of Planning

Are you interested in making a REAL difference? Are you an innovative 21st century thinker? Do urban environments excite you? Do you love the challenge of becoming intimately engaged with diverse communities to help resolve built environment issues?

Our small, but very progressive Division of Planning office may be right for you!

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

Under supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data/GIS; review development proposals; keep abreast of planning, social media, and technical trends; ensures compliance with the City’s plans, land development ordinance, and State statutes.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only.  A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

  • Be a 21st century innovative, urban thinker.
  • Takes the lead over major details of planning studies and surveys involving complex technical aspects of land use planning.
  • Be able to analyze and present data creatively for layman interpretations.
  • Familiarity with the many platforms within ArcGIS online.  Ability to utilize storytelling through ArcGIS online.
  • Gather and maintain demographic and spatial data and other related statistics.
  • Compile information and make recommendations on special studies; prepare technical reports.
  • Participate in the research, analysis, and interpretation of social, economic, population and land use data and trends.
  • Prepares maps representing existing and proposed land use and other data for submission or presentation.
  • Make presentations to the City Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups and outside agencies.
  • Review land development proposals and other requests made to the Division of Planning for conformance with City plans, appropriate regulations, and codes; recommend viable alternatives when required.  Prepare development review reports and recommendations.
  • Advise and confer with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City development policies, standards, and guidelines.
  • Perform development proposal inspections and related field work.
  • Prepare staff reports and graphic displays.
  • Take phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; aid walk in customers at the counter.
  • Research and draft resolutions and ordinances for review.
  • Attend a variety of meetings, including Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings and pre-development meetings.
  • Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.

EDUCATION:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hours credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, planning law, and administration.  Master’s in urban planning preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years of professional experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning.

NOTE: Possession of a current, valid license as a Professional Planner in New Jersey issued by the State Board of Professional Planners OR as a Certified Planner issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be substituted for the education requirement.

NOTE: Possession of a master’s degree in Planning from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience.

LICENSE:

Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the

operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

ABILITIES:

Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to

perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be

considered as acceptable forms of communication.  Fluent in Spanish is a plus.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.  If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Residency requirement within 3 months of duty.

HOW TO APPLY:

SEND RESUME TO:
Steve Ponella
Department of Administration, Division of Personnel
City of Trenton
319 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1866

Or:

sponella@trentonnj.org

DEADLINE: By 5pm on May 17, 2019 PLEASE NO CALLS

PLEASE ALSO SEE THE NJ CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION JOB SPECIFICATION FOR THIS TITLE.

https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/16490.htm

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Chester County – Planner IV

April 5, 2019 / / Comments Off on Chester County – Planner IV

Chester County Planning Commission Housing & Economic Planner IV Position Available

The Planning Commission seeks a Housing & Economic Planner to assist in advancing housing choices and economic development opportunities that support smart growth throughout Chester County. This senior level position provides professional planning services to and/or coordinates with planning staff, local municipalities, chambers of commerce, housing groups, and related entities within the region. This position supports the implementation of the County’s long-range plan, Landscapes3, particularly the Live and Prosper goals, and will support the creation of housing choices and sustainable economic opportunity.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate must demonstrate a high competency level in housing and economic development planning. Demonstrated knowledge should include an understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and experience with revitalization and redevelopment planning, housing needs, zoning issues, the subdivision and land development process, and local, state, and federal regulatory controls regarding housing and economic development such as zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, and fair housing. The position requires significant public interaction and the ability to work with both internal and external teams.

Requirements: The candidate must possess excellent verbal, writing, time management, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office products and a working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS, Business Analyst, and mapping. Candidates should demonstrate competency and experience in independent project management, public speaking, data and trend analysis, and authoring technical and planning reports. Knowledge and skills related to advancing housing choices and economic opportunities through collaboration is strongly preferred. The candidate must be comfortable working collaboratively and interacting with municipal clients and agencies both within and outside of county government.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, or a related field with seven years of applied planning experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s Degree and AICP certification preferred.

Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt

Applications must be submitted through the Chester County Job Opportunities webpage. The webpage and job description can be accessed here: http://chesco.org/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=149&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Planner- VI-Housing-Economic-Planner-1298

03/25/19

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Montgomery County – Planner

April 3, 2019 / / Comments Off on Montgomery County – Planner

The Montgomery County Planning Commission is looking to hire a planner! Click here to apply or see the full announcement.

Planner
POSITION TITLE:  Planner
EXEMPT:  yes
DEPARTMENT:  Planning Commission – COMMUNITY SECTION
POSITION REPORTING:  Section Chief – COMMUNITY
Salary Range:  $45,191 

SUMMARY:  This position requires the individual to be proficient in the terminology and application of the technical and political processes concerned with the use of land, public welfare, and the design of the natural and built environment in general.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES shall include the following:

  • Review  subdivisions and land developments
  • Work cooperatively with other staff, general public, and local officials
  • Manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and organize information

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES in addition to all of the above shall include some combination of the following dependent upon stated position:

  • Write zoning, land development, and subdivision regulations
  • Author and produce planning related documents such as, but not limited to, comprehensive plans, studies, and reports
  • Have technical knowledge in land use, housing, transportation, open space, environmental, demographics, landscape design, zoning, planning law, and related subjects
  • Attend public meetings, day or evening
  • Grant writing

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential and specific duties satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Master’s Degree in Planning or related degree plus 1 year of professional planning related experience
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in the position
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills including public speaking
  • Good analytical, organizational, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to use  state of the art business and audio visual equipment
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Strong organizational skills and time management
  • Knowledge of essential professional office computer software to perform word processing, spreadsheet analysis, presentations, design and ability to learn certain geographic information system functions
  • Have a valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.  Walking is required in field conditions with uneven terrain to perform site visits, acquire information, and perform inspections or to attend meetings. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel objects.  The employee is also required to kneel or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

The employee must be able to drive to various locations during the day or night and attend meetings that may last several hours.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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DVRPC – Transportation Planner, Comprehensive Planning

March 29, 2019 / / Comments Off on DVRPC – Transportation Planner, Comprehensive Planning

DVRPC is currently hiring a Transportation Planner in Comprehensive Planning!

OPENING DATE: March 2019
SALARY RANGE: Mid $40,000’s to Mid $50,000’s (position level & salary commensurate with education & experience)
LOCATION:Comprehensive Planning
CLOSING DATE: When position is filled
AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: All sources

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is the Philadelphia region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. We believe DVRPC is a place to work, learn, and create a career in a professional and stimulating environment that values diversity, innovation, and bringing your best self to work. If your background and experience match the following vacancy, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

DVRPC seeks a planner with interest and some experience in the fields of freight and aviation planning, congestion management, and long-range planning. This position will provide thoughtful analytical support for planning projects undertaken by project teams in the Comprehensive Planning section. Approximately one-half of the assignments for this position will support the work of the Freight and Aviation Program, and the remaining assignments will be split between the Office of Long-Range Planning and the Congestion Management Program. While the tasks and workload will be split between various program areas, the responsibilities and qualifications will be similar for all.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of commonly used demographic, land use, and transportation data, such as Census, population, employment, traffic counts, travel time, and other data sets, as well as demonstrated familiarity in data analytics, visualization, and mapping of planning-related data. The position requires experience in database management, geographic information systems (GIS), and basic programming. Understanding of land use, strategic, or travel demand models is desirable. This position will research and analyze trends and assist in developing corresponding policy options and strategic recommendations. The planner will also assist in the preparation of findings in written documentation, and visualize data through maps, charts, graphics, and online platforms.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about all manner of transportation analysis, adaptable enough to support a wide range of project types and tasks, and able to both conduct deep analysis, and clearly tell the story of their findings in written, graphic, and verbal mediums. Assigned tasks require strong organization skills and careful attention to detail, and are performed under the close technical direction of senior-level managers.

Responsibilities

  • Research emerging trends and corresponding policy options.
  • Develop and implement databases and data collection systems, and assist in the analysis and interpretation of data to extract trends or patterns, communicate key information, and develop recommendations.
  • Develop and apply customized transportation planning processes using GIS, spreadsheet software, models, and programming languages.
  • Assist in the preparation of findings and recommendations of various studies, including text, tables, maps, charts, photos, and other appropriate graphics.
  • Help facilitate engagement and outreach to member governments, planning partners, and the public.
  • Respond to data and information requests, and perform related technical work, as required.
  • Perform related work and special tasks as requested.

Qualifications

  • Solid analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of performance-based transportation planning, and ability to relate this knowledge to the development and analysis of a regional transportation system and its components.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Experience with database management and basic programming (i.e., R, SQL, and/or Python).
  • Experience with GIS and related applications.
  • Experience with land use, strategic, or travel demand models is a plus.
  • Ability to effectively present results of research and technical analyses in oral, written, and graphic form.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with work associates and planning officials and partners.

Minimum Education and Training

To classify as a Level RA I, a minimum of one year professional experience in transportation planning or a related field is required. To classify as a Level RA II, a minimum of three years is required. Such experience may have been gained from a combination of experience and training. Training may have been gained through graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in city/regional planning. A Master’s degree or a full year of intern or co-operative education experience can be substituted for one year of experience.

To Apply

Please forward cover letter and resume to: resumes@dvrpc.org.

DVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full consideration will be given to all eligible, qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, domestic or sexual violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy), national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation; or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Minority, female, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.

Employment is contingent upon ability to comply with Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations which states when offered employment “identity and right to work in the United States” must be produced.

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DVRPC – GIS Application Developer

March 26, 2019 / / Comments Off on DVRPC – GIS Application Developer

OPENING DATE: March 2019
SALARY RANGE: Mid $40,000s to Mid $50,000s (position level & salary commensurate with education & experience)
LOCATION: Office of Geographic Information Systems
CLOSING DATE: When position is filled
AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: All sources

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is the Philadelphia region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. We believe DVRPC is a place to work, learn, and create a career in a professional and stimulating environment that values diversity, innovation, and bringing your best self to work. If your background and experience match the following vacancy, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

DVRPC is seeking a talented and motivated GIS Application Developer who is interested in developing innovative web mapping solutions; as well as maintaining existing applications using the latest frameworks and technologies. This position will focus on web mapping development using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript as well as ArcGIS Online. Latest JavaScript frameworks are used to create interactive and data-driven products.

Other responsibilities include compiling and managing geospatial data; performing spatial analysis that supports the Commission’s planning activities; assisting staff with design, development and implementation of geospatial solutions.

This position requires project-level collaboration with a diversified group of technical and planning staff but will offer the autonomy to make decisions on the best technology solutions on a per-project basis. Work is performed in accordance with general agency policies and professional standards with results subject to review by the Manager, Geospatial Application Development.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and support web mapping applications in collaboration with GIS and Web Development staff.
  • Develop powerful and vivid web-based data visualization and geospatial interfaces.
  • Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of existing geospatial applications.
  • Ability to write clear and concise code to ensure the ease of future maintenance.
  • Proactively identify application inefficiencies and propose solutions.
  • Stay current on technology trends and identify ways to innovate our products.
  • Integrate a diverse set of data into custom geospatial applications.
  • Implement interactive applications using a data API/JSON.
  • Perform GIS analysis and create professional map documents using Esri ArcGIS desktop, ArcGIS Pro, or QGIS software in support of planning activities.
  • Create, modify, and maintain geospatial datasets.
  • Meet with staff to provide expertise with defining data needs, project requirements, and required outputs.
  • Represent the Office of GIS and the Commission at meetings and public forums as required.
  • Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

  • Experience developing web mapping applications using Leaflet, Mapbox GL, ArcGIS API for JS, and Google Maps JavaScript API.
  • Proven experience with GIS Software, such as ESRI’s ArcGIS Suite and QGIS.
  • Experience building web maps and apps using ArcGIS Online.
  • Experience with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JSON, and interactive application development.
  • Experience with automating data management tasks with Python. Familiarity with Python web frameworks such as Django and Flask are a plus.
  • Familiarity with using SQL in PostgreSQL/PostGIS to construct spatial queries and perform geoprocessing tasks.
  • Knowledge of data visualization concepts and tools such as D3, Highcharts, etc. are a plus.
  • Knowledge of cartographic principles (knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is a plus).
  • Excellent communication skills with attention to detail, and the ability to present innovative and creative solutions effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
  • Comfortable with the basics of using command line interfaces such as Node.js, git, and Linux Ubuntu.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team of diverse skills, and to maintain effective working relationships. Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.

Experience and Training

To classify as a Level TS I, a minimum of one year of professional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or web application programming experience is required. To classify as a Level TS II, a minimum of three years is required. Such experience may have been gained from a combination of experience and training. Training may have been gained through graduation from an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, with major coursework in GIS, geography, regional or transportation planning, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree or a full year of intern or co-operative education experience can be substituted for one year of experience.

To Apply

Please forward cover letter and resume to: resumes@dvrpc.org.

DVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Full consideration will be given to all eligible, qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, domestic or sexual violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition (including pregnancy), national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation; or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Minority, female, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.

Employment is contingent upon ability to comply with Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations which states when offered employment “identity and right to work in the United States” must be produced.

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Delaware County – Environmental Planner

March 25, 2019 / / Comments Off on Delaware County – Environmental Planner

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in planning or related field, or bachelor’s degree in planning or related field, plus two years of applicable experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to work in a team environment on a wide range of projects involving both public and private interests is essential.
  • Excellent written, oral, and graphic communication skills; research skills; organizational and time management skills; familiarity with the planning process at the local level.

Duties

  • Serve as project planner on assigned projects: provide work guidance to Associate Planners and Interns as required.
  • Perform State-mandated reviews, including sewage facilities planning modules, the environmental component of subdivision and land development plans, and other regulatory programs as required; assist with the preparation of environmental components of municipal and/or multi-municipal comprehensive plans.
  • Participate in PA Coastal Zone Management Program activities, including planning and providing support for local projects funded by the state’s programs.
  • Provide technical assistance to municipalities and the public concerning environmental issues.
  • Provide general information and technical assistance to municipal officials and the public; perform related duties as required and/or directed.

Salary – $35,295

Forward cover letters and resumes (in MS Office or PDF format) to:

Michelle Signora, Office Administrator
Delaware County Planning Department
First Floor
1055 E. Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
E-mail: Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us

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Phila. Office of Sustainability – Heat Resiliency Fellow

March 18, 2019 / / Comments Off on Phila. Office of Sustainability – Heat Resiliency Fellow

The Global Philanthropy Partnership (GPP) and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) are pleased to offer seven summer 2019 fellowship opportunities with local governments. Fellows will receive a valuable learning experience while helping local governments to advance their sustainability and inclusion goals.

2019 fellowships will be offered with the City of Baltimore (MD), City of Cleveland (OH), City of Dubuque (IA), City of Fort Collins (CO), Iowa City (IA),  City of Philadelphia (PA), and City of Vancouver (BC).  These links contain more information on the scope of each available fellowship.

Highlights of all eight fellowships include:

  • A living wage or higher for the fellowship location
  • Full-time employment over the summer (12 weeks)
  • The experience of working in a local government sustainability program on a well- defined project that advances a community’s sustainability and equity goals
  • A project that is inclusive of under-served and under-represented communities and responsive to their needs and priorities
  • Mentorship from Desiree Williams-Rajee and participation in a national learning cohort of USDN EDI fellows.
  • Access to all USDN member discussions and products
  • Free attendance at the October 2019 USDN annual meeting (lodging, flight, meals, and the opportunity to meet with more than 200 sustainability professionals from across North America – expenses paid)
  • Membership in an informal network of past and current EDI fellows

Broad requirements for all fellowship projects are listed below. Each local government project also has specific requirements.

  • Be passionate about sustainability and/or the environment
  • Be new to the sustainability field of work or interested in exploring a career in sustainability
  • Have the skills required to match the needs of the projects for which you apply
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to relate to, communicate with, and learn from racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities
  • Have experience working with multiple communities, including communities of color
  • Have experience considering the impacts of projects on multiple communities, including communities of color
  • Commit to working for the entire duration of the fellowship
  • Commit to participating actively in the cohort learning and mentoring programs
  • Commit to maintaining the privacy of cohort and USDN discussions
  • Complete a one-page summary blog post and program evaluation form at the conclusion of the fellowship to reflect on their experience
  • Make a presentation on their work at the USDN annual meeting in October 2019 (expenses paid to travel to the USDN annual meeting)

Applications should be sent to the Urban Sustainability Directors Network at <fellowship@usdn.org>. Please include the name of the community or communities with which you are seeking a fellowship in the email subject line. People of color are encouraged to apply. Applications should include:

The application period will now be open through late April 2019. However, review of applications will begin in late March and Host Cities may make hiring decisions. All applicants will be notified of selection decisions. For additional information, please email Sarah McKinstry-Wu, USDN Strategic Projects Manager, at sarahmckinstrywu@usdn.org. Thank you for your interest!

Fellowship Summary

The Heat Resiliency Fellow in the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability will support the launch of a neighborhood-based heat relief network, an interconnected system of service providers that provide cooling resources, in one of Philadelphia’s hottest and most heat vulnerable neighborhoods.

Project Background

Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability (OOS) is responsible for implementing Greenworks: A Vision for a Sustainable Philadelphia, the City’s comprehensive sustainability plan. This plan explicitly outlines equity goals within eight topic areas. As a companion effort to the report, OOS committed to creating the “Greenworks Equity Index” as a tool to directly engage with communities not currently benefiting from sustainability work. Using equity as an approach means:

  • Acknowledging that environmental inequalities like exposure to heat often exist in majority low-income and Black and Brown neighborhoods in Philadelphia;
  • Working to understand how the City’s systems, policies, and procedures create barriers that maintain these inequalities; and
  • Redirecting our resources towards dismantling these barriers.

OOS began piloting equity as an approach in 2018 with the Beat the Heat Initiative that focused on communities of color disproportionately exposed to environmental stressors, particularly extreme heat. The goal of this first effort is to work in one of Philadelphia’s hottest and most heat vulnerable neighborhood – Hunting Park – to identify and acknowledge causes for heat disparities and support community-driven decision-making about how to reduce these inequities.

OOS carries out these values by working with partners to improve quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, reduce the City’s carbon emissions, and prepare Philadelphia for a hotter, wetter future. The 12-person team that makes up OOS works interdependently to achieve these goals by drawing upon the wide range of professional and lived experience among team members. Members often collaborate in work groups of people with complementary skills to maximize OOS’s collective expertise.

The fellow will work within an internal project team that includes the Director of Sustainability, the Deputy Director of Sustainability, the Senior Program Manager, and the Communications and Outreach Coordinator. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Sustainability.

Job Description

The Heat Resiliency Fellow will be primarily responsible for supporting the launch of a neighborhood-based heat relief network in Hunting Park. The fellow will collaborate with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse stakeholders to:

  • Co-construct criteria for selecting cooling sites with community partners by performing research and devising community-based information gathering activities
  • Identify relevant community programming by thoughtfully working with other City departments and agencies, local institutions, and community partners to test options at designated cooling sites
  • Develop a culturally responsive communications strategy to encourage community awareness and utilization of the network
  • Monitor and share progress and impact by collecting data, documenting feedback and progress, and presenting a summary of activities and key findings

Qualifications

  • Sustainability and Social Justice Literacy – Interest in environmental justice and sustainability issues; Shows understanding of the concepts of distributional, institutional, and structural inequities and their impact on underserved communities
  • Communication – Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication and adapts styles to differing cultural environments
  • Planning – Sets priorities, organizes tasks, and determines resource requirements
  • Willingness to Learn – Expands abilities constantly; Strives for new skills; Seeks continuous learning opportunities
  • Community Engagement – Direct lived experience nurturing relationships with low- income and community of color communities
  • Language Proficiency – Ability to speak Spanish fluently preferred but not required

Professional Development and Support

OOS approaches individual growth and capacity building collaboratively. Professional learning occurs in the shared context of a community where all team members collectively participate in staff development. The entire team convenes regularly to strengthen skills and competencies through knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer support.

In addition to all-staff development opportunities, the fellow will further build skills and knowledge through 1:1 mentoring with members of the senior leadership team. Peer-to-peer mentoring will complement 1:1 meetings. The fellow will receive guidance and coaching from other OOS staff as well as other city departments and community-based organizations based on learning interest.

Pay Rate and Housing

The fellow will receive a stipend of $15 an hour.

Many of Philadelphia’s local universities and colleges, such as Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, offer short-term housing during the summer term to students with internships. The International House Philadelphia also provides flexible and affordable residential arrangements.

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McCormick Taylor – Planning and Communications Group Leader

March 12, 2019 / / Comments Off on McCormick Taylor – Planning and Communications Group Leader

McCormick Taylor is looking for a Planning and Communications Group Leader! For more information, visit the full job announcement.

Overview

McCormick Taylor, Inc., a progressive transportation engineering and environmental planning firm, has an immediate opening for a Planning and Communications Group Leader in its Philadelphia office. The ideal candidate will bring strong project management and business development credentials, and have experience in both managing and developing staff.

 

We are seeking an enthusiastic professional with a strong technical background in multimodal transportation planning and program delivery, as well as capabilities to lead innovative communications, public outreach, and community engagement programs. The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience, with a successful track record in acquiring and managing projects for public-sector clients, including state DOTs, transit agencies, regional planning entities and MPOs, and county and local governments.

 

The responsibilities for this role will include: marketing company services to existing and prospective clients; overseeing the work of highly-skilled planning and public involvement team members; project management and client coordination; meeting facilitation and presentations; and maintaining overall quality control across projects.

 

Specific work tasks may include: managing both small- and large-scale multimodal transportation planning and public involvement projects and contracts; leading staff in the completion of project deliverables; marketing and business development, including proposal writing; and research and report writing. In addition, the candidate will possess great communication and leadership skills, be interested in growing and enhancing our existing practice, oversee existing staff, and be willing to help others succeed.

 

Certification/accreditation through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), New Jersey Professional Planners (NJPP), Professional Engineer (PE), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), or similar is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Project management, program management, marketing, and business development
  • Staff development, mentoring, and staff management
  • Play a key role in developing solutions to meet client needs and expectations.
  • Management of a project, elements of a project, or have significant technical role under the direction of other technical staff members.
  • Compose technical documents that present findings using clear language and creative graphic presentation.
  • Play a key role in developing solutions to policy and physical planning problems.
  • Maintain high standards and quality of work while demonstrating innovation and creativity in developing solutions for client projects.
  • Organize and facilitate meetings with officials, stakeholders and the public.

Qualifications

 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning, Community and Regional Planning, Civil/Transportation Engineering, Transportation Public Policy, or other professionally recognized equivalent discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience.
  • Marketing and business development experience, including tracking projects and writing proposals
  • Knowledge of transportation planning best practices and trends
  • Client relations and consulting services
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Works well in a team environment.
  • Ability to multi-task and work within a large team.
  • Organization and time management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently meet and exceed deadlines
  • Scope development, budgeting and other project management duties

Optional, but preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in related field.
  • Registration as AICP, Professional Engineer, or RLA.
  • Active participation in at least one relevant professional organization.
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Chester County – Planner II

February 28, 2019 / / Comments Off on Chester County – Planner II

The Chester County Planning Commission seeks a Community Planner to assist in sound planning efforts throughout Chester County. The position, classified as a Planner II, provides professional consulting services to local municipalities in implementing the County’s long-range plan, Landscapes3.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate must demonstrate a competency level in project planning and implementation. Demonstrated knowledge shall include an understanding of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, including but not limited to the preparation of comprehensive plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances. The position requires significant public interaction and the ability to work with both internal and external teams.

Requirements: The candidate must possess excellent verbal, writing, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS products. Candidates should demonstrate experience in preparing comprehensive plans and ordinances, analyzing quantitative data, delivering presentations, authoring technical reports, and creating plan graphics. The candidate must be comfortable working collaboratively and interacting with municipal clients.

Minimum Qualifications: a Master’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture or a related field, or a Bachelor’s Degree with three years of job experience.

Position Type: Full-Time / Exempt

Applications must be submitted through the Chester County Job Opportunities webpage. The webpage and job description can be accessed here: http://chesco.org/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=123&From=Planning- 123&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Planner-II-1272

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