Senior Planner - Current & Long-Range Planning

The Senior Planner at the Institute for Building Technology and Safety in Baton Rouge, LA, will lead long-range and current planning activities, focusing on community engagement, policy development, and development review. This role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to sustainable community planning. A bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience are required. The position involves office work, field visits, and public meetings.
Responsibilities

The Senior Planner will lead and support both long-range and current planning activities. This role requires a highly motivated professional who exemplifies servant leadership, demonstrating humility, empathy, and a commitment to empowering others in the pursuit of a vibrant, sustainable, and well-planned community.

The Senior Planner will play a critical role in shaping the future of the city through thoughtful planning, collaborative engagement, and innovative policy development, while also providing guidance and oversight for ongoing development review and permitting processes.

Long-Range Planning:
• Lead the development, update, and implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan and other strategic planning initiatives.
• Conduct policy analysis and develop recommendations on land use, transportation, housing, and environmental issues.
• Facilitate community outreach and engagement efforts to ensure inclusive public participation in long-term planning efforts.
• Analyze demographic, economic, and spatial data to support strategic decision-making.

Current Planning:
• Review and manage development applications, zoning requests, site plans, and subdivisions for compliance with local codes and regulations.
• Provide guidance to applicants, developers, and the public regarding planning and zoning matters.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of staff reports to Planning Commissions, Boards, and elected officials.

Leadership & Collaboration:
• Serve as a mentor and role model for junior staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and public service.
• Apply servant leadership principles, placing the needs of the community and team above self-interest.
• Collaborate across departments to align planning efforts with broader city goals and initiatives.
• Represent the Planning Department at public meetings, interagency forums, and regional planning discussions.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning, including both long-range and current planning.
• Proven leadership experience with a demonstrated commitment to servant leadership values.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in planning software, GIS, and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license required.

Key Competencies
• Commitment to ethical public service and community well-being.
• Ability to navigate complex projects with a balance of technical skill and emotional intelligence.
• Skilled in facilitation, public engagement, and conflict resolution.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and innovative mindset.
• Passion for shaping sustainable and equitable communities.

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist.

This position involves a mix of office work, field visits, and community engagement. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to attend public meetings and events.

Personal Qualities
IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive,
professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe "how" you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.
• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees.

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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