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Environmental Planner / Senior Planner Overview
Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STC) is growing and seeking an Environmental Planner / Senior Planner to work on a diverse portfolio of regional planning and environmental initiatives across a three-county region. This position offers flexibility to hire at either the Planner or Senior Planner level, depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capacity.
This is a unique opportunity to work at a regional planning board providing hands-on technical assistance, training, and professional planning support to local governments and partner organizations. The position includes a strong focus on environmental and water-related planning, including flood mitigation, watershed protection, development review, and grant-funded programs.
This is a full-time civil service position. Planner-level positions are approved under New York State’s HELPs program (no civil service exam required at this time). Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average of two per month).
About the Role
STC seeks a motivated planning professional with an interest in environmental and community planning. Depending on level, the position may involve leading projects independently, mentoring junior staff, helping set work priorities, and providing technical expertise in environmental planning, flood mitigation, and development review.
Independent judgment is encouraged in carrying out work assignments. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, as the position requires frequent interaction with municipal officials, boards, agencies, elected officials, and the public.
STC anticipates hiring multiple planners and is particularly interested in candidates with experience or interest in:
- Environmental and Water Resource Planning
- Flood Mitigation and Watershed Management
- Grant Writing and Grant Administration
- Development and Land Use Review
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Depending on position level, duties may include:
- Serve as a flood mitigation and water resource planning specialist
- Prepare, lead, and/or contribute to comprehensive plans
- Draft and revise zoning laws and land-use regulations
- Conduct professional reviews of development proposals
- Provide training and technical assistance to municipal officials and boards
- Participate in meetings, seminars, conferences, and interagency coordination at the local, state, and federal levels
- Prepare reports and technical deliverables associated with grant-funded projects
- Conduct planning and environmental studies for municipalities and regional initiatives
- Assist with or lead grant writing, administration, and compliance
- Collect, analyze, and interpret planning, environmental, and spatial data
- Prepare and deliver presentations to committees, boards, and local legislatures
- Utilize Microsoft Office and other relevant professional tools
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines
- Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- For Senior Planner level: provide guidance, mentoring, and leadership to junior planning staff and assist with project prioritization and coordination
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Qualifications
The minimum qualifications include: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in planning, environmental studies, geography, public administration, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant professional experience of one or more years. This is a full-time civil service position. Planner-level positions are approved under New York State’s HELPs program (no civil service exam required at this time). Regular attendance at evening meetings is required (average of two per month).
The ideal candidate will have the following skill and experience:
- Experience, Knowledge of and Interest in floodplain management, hazard mitigation planning, watershed planning, climate resiliency planning
- Grant writing, administration, and reporting experience including financial reporting and expenditures.
- Development and land use review experience. Working knowledge of New York State procedures, planning board best practices and Zoning law review.
- Familiarity with budgeting and financial review. Including keeping track of grant expenditures and time allocations.
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Preferred Certifications & Technical Skills
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and/or association with ASFM
- AICP Certification
- GIS / ArcGIS experience
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