Jobs/Careers

Regional Services Economic Development Planner

Performs entry-level planning and research work for the Regional Services and Economic Development program.  Work involves developing local or regional zoning, urban, community economic development, environmental, or site plans and programs; preparing implementation plans; and assisting in the development of policies and procedures for plans and programs. Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.  (This is a fully funded grant position for approximately 6 months.  Employment may be extended contingent upon additional grant funding.)     

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collects, organizes, and analyzes data required in the development of plans or programs.
• Reviews and evaluates planning material for contractual compliance.
• Prepares reports and assists in making presentations.
• Researches federal and state regulations.
• Researches and analyzes local, state, and national trends; policy issues; and proposed legislation, regulations, or rules to determine impact; and makes recommendations.
• Consults and communicates with other departments, agencies, and civic groups.
• Conducts field and telephone surveys.
• Conducts planning studies such as feasibility studies or master plans.
• Participates in technical, policy, and interagency planning meetings.
• Assists in providing technical planning assistance to the public, developers, contractors, vendors, and to local regional, or state entities.
• Assists in reviewing plans, proposals, and studies. Assists in developing short-range and long-range local and statewide plans, projects, or programs.
• May assist in preparing and monitoring performance measures.
• Prepares, distributes, reviews, and processes competitive procurements; verifies accuracy, terminology, and specifications; tabulates bids and determines lowest and best bid or bids that provide best value; maintains purchased service(s) contracts, service agreements; and monitors subcontractors, invoices, and supporting documents for accuracy and compliance with agreements and program rules and regulations, as necessary. 
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Must be able to travel up to 45% of the time.
• Website postings

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of government organization and administration; and of principles, objectives, and procedures of governmental planning, programming, and research.
• Skill in the use of computer and applicable software, in applying statistical tools to data, in preparing reports, and in collecting and analyzing demographics and statistics.
• Ability to evaluate planning material, to conduct research, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.
• Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures, of state and federal procurement principles and practices, and contract management.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); Internet Browsers (Internet Explorer, Chrome), Adobe Acrobat, computerized department program software, caller/resource databases, and required state reporting systems.
• Knowledge on social media postings.

Acceptable Experience and Education

Experience in planning and research work. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in city or regional planning, economics, business or public administration, political science, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Certificates and/or Licenses Required

• Valid Texas Driver’s License

Contact Mary McDow at  254-292-1830 for questions or mary.mcdow@hot.cog.tx.us for submitting completed application.

HOTCOG Application: Click for application