About SMCOG (pronounced 'sim-cog'):

The Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG), housed within Missouri State University's Center for Resource Planning and Management (CRPM), offers an exciting opportunity for talented professionals to join our team in a collaborative and innovative office environment. SMCOG staff are employees of Missouri State University and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance, over 21% employer contributions to a retirement pension, and a tuition fee waiver for employees, spouses, and dependents. Located on the beautiful urban campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, our team thrives in a dynamic workspace designed for professional growth and creativity.

SMCOG is a 10-county regional planning commission serving 88 units of local government, including Springfield, Missouri's third-largest city, and Branson, a premier tourist destination in the Midwest. Nestled in the breathtaking Ozarks, our region offers unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to pristine lakes and scenic landscapes. Our communities pride themselves on a spirit of regional cooperation, and SMCOG is privileged to work with outstanding partners to advance sustainable growth and innovation.

We are deeply committed to professional development, fostering opportunities for staff to learn and excel in their fields. SMCOG's internship program also plays a key role in training the next generation of planning professionals, providing meaningful experiences to students and early-career planners. This commitment extends to fostering a culture where all staff are encouraged to pursue their own education and professional development while also mentoring and supporting students from diverse backgrounds as they gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects. Joining SMCOG means becoming part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in our region while enjoying the quality of life and natural beauty that only the Ozarks can offer.

About the position:

First date of consideration will be December 16, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The department is posting for an Associate Planner (2 years experience) and a Senior Planner (4+ years experience). Up to two positions will be filled in any combination of the advertised postings.

If you are interested in the Associate Planner posting, please apply for that position at:
https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/78249

If you are interested in being considered for both positions, you will need to submit your application and materials to both postings.

General Function:

The Senior Planner manages community and regional planning programs and long-range planning for rural/small town communities by providing technical and advisory assistance regarding a variety of disciplines including disaster recovery planning, hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and land use planning, land development and zoning regulations, site plan review, transportation planning, community development, and/or economic development. The Senior Planner oversees plan preparation and related research for assigned projects and coordinates planning activities with elected officials, citizen advisory committees, and the general public. The Senior Planner must analyze census and other statistical data and prepare reports for local governments and community organizations. The Senior Planner may help formulate grant applications and administer awarded grants. The Senior Planner drafts program budgets and project proposals and may oversee the distribution and monitoring of grant funds to local jurisdictions. The Senior Planner supervises Planning student interns and assists the Director in assigning tasks among other professional planning staff.

Primary duties may include:

• Develop project proposals and grant applications to secure funding for planning initiatives.
• Manage planning projects, including budget oversight and project timelines.
• Manage comprehensive plan updates for small towns and counties, as well as sub-area land use and transportation plan updates.
• Assist local governments with zoning codes, land use regulations, and other development regulations.
• Facilitate or lead training sessions for Planning and Zoning Commissioners to enhance local planning knowledge.
• Provide technical assistance to local governments on various planning disciplines (e.g., disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, economic development) as outlined under General Functions, representing and partnering with SMCOG.
• Supervise Planning interns and assist the Director in supervising planning staff.
• Professionally represent CRPM and/or SMCOG, building key relationships both within the University and with external partners.
• Please note – this is not a teaching/faculty position.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:

Education: A Bachelor's degree in City or Regional Planning or a related field is required.

Experience: At least four years of professional planning experience or five years of experience working in a unit of local government is required. Supervisory experience is highly preferred. Experience in disaster recovery planning, hazard mitigation planning, comprehensive and land use planning, land development and zoning regulations, site plan review, transportation planning, community development, economic development, rural/small town planning, regional planning , and/or a related field is preferred, however, experience in local or state government, will be considered. Experience with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and/or Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded projects or programs is preferred.

Skill: A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. A research background is required. Computer skills, including word processing, database management, document design, and presentation software is required. Knowledge of other planning-related software such as AutoCAD, EMSI, ArcPro/ArcMAP, ESRI products, etc. is preferred. The ability to compile and analyze technical and statistical data is required. The ability to work with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in non-routine situations is required. The ability to work effectively with the public and elected officials is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required or must be obtained within the first two years of employment.

Other: Occasional day travel (150-mile radius) is required and may include occasional overnight stays. The position requires attending occasional evening meetings.

Apply online: https://jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/78246