Within the Department of Strategic Impact, this position assists in the research, development, implementation, and management of a range of critical impact projects that are necessary to ensure the County's future prosperity and quality of life. Such project areas range from, but are not limited to impacting affordable housing, pathway connectivity, transportation efficiency, agricultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. This position will assist in the development and implementation of the County's short- and long-range planning objectives; conduct in-depth research and complete reports on a variety of critical issues; organize events, educational seminars, and workshops; provide staff support to County subcommittees and special boards; and perform other related work as required. Must be versatile and self-motivated with a passion to create a positive impact in the County.

This is full-time benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm. Travel to other County locations may be required.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Proactively responds to the needs of the County through the application of regional, multi-disciplinary land use strategies.
2. Researches and analyzes statistical data required to develop projections of population growth, demographic changes, economic development, and environmental sustainability in the County.
3. Analyzes regional impact of various growth and development factors, including groundwater availability, future demands for public services, parks and recreation, physical and mental health services, K-12 education, public transportation, public infrastructure, and affordable housing.
4. Develops model ordinances to ensure orderly development consistent with the conservation of the County's agricultural lands and green spaces and the goals of positively impacting the health, economic welfare and other quality of life indicators in local units and across the county.
5. Reviews proposed modifications and updates to local units of government Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance and rezoning requests; analyzes the impact on and consistency with the goals and objectives of the County Development Plan.
6. Identifies, applies for, and administers various grants and contracts in relation to department projects.
7. Provides technical assistance to local units of government, including researching issues, preparing reports and presentation materials, and developing recommendations.
8. Utilizes GIS data to create clear and concise maps and perform complex analyses.
9. Designs and develops technical reports and recommendations based on quantitative and statistical research.
10. Manages multi-faceted projects related to above-listed tasks.
11. Performs other functions, as assigned to ensure successful planning of current and prospective County initiatives, programs, projects and sustainable economic growth and development.
12. Communicates with elected officials and employees, community and business representatives, funding agency representatives and members of the public as part of day-to-day project management.
13. Attends or presents at community meetings or events, occasionally in the evenings or on weekends.
14. Performs field work, as needed, related to current or perspective projects.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, or related field or related field, combined with two years of progressively responsible experience in land- use planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

1. Understanding of the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act; Michigan Planning Enabling Act, and P.A. 345 of 1990.
2. Understanding of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning.
3. Must have the ability to manage complex projects.
4. Computer literacy, including working knowledge of ArcGIS.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
7. Excellent customer service skills.
8. Must possess critical thinking skills and the ability to solve abstract problems in the absence of instructions.
9. Must be able to function as a member of a team and be respectful of others.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in a normal office environment, with occasional field data collection.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer