Senior Urban Planner - Transportation

The Senior Urban Planner - Transportation at Region 1 Planning Council in Rockford, IL, is a full-time, on-site position. Responsibilities include leading transportation planning projects, mentoring staff, conducting planning studies, and coordinating with agencies. The role involves developing regional plans, preparing grant applications, and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines. A strong background in transportation planning and sustainable practices is essential. Salary range is $75,000 - $85,000 per year.
This is a full-time, on-site role located in Rockford, IL. The Senior Planner will be responsible for supporting public engagement, transit, and transportation planning at Region 1 Planning Council (R1). Key duties of this position include leading projects, mentor planners, conducting various planning studies and project development activities, coordinating with internal R1 staff and external partner agencies, and assisting with development of the MPO transportation, economic development, and sustainability planning documents.Salary Range$75,000 - $85,000 per yearRoles and Responsibilities Essential FunctionsDirect the development, maintenance, and implementation of regional transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability plans and programs, as well as other specialized planning studiesPrepare grant applications and report to federal and state agencies for planning projects and programsStrong experience in transportation planning including projects and program management, consultant management, and project scope of work developmentDevelop updates to comprehensive plans, transportation plans, and sub-area corridor studies, in coordination with local community development planning departmentsCoordinate with applicable state and local entities to link regional planning goals and comprehensive housing affordability strategies established within the metropolitan planning areaRecommend strategies to reduce urban sprawl and maintain prime agricultural farmland zones, review existing land use plans for consistency, and recommend change where appropriateAssist in developing current and long-term transportation, sustainability, and housing goalsParticipate on cross-collaborative teams in conceptual planning on corridor, urban design, and redevelopment studiesStrong understanding and passion for sustainable transportation principlesIdentify locations for existing and planned housing and employment, and transportation options that connect housing and employment within the regionConduct technical review of R1 planning documents to ensure qualityMaintain and prepare reports, records, and documentation necessary for conformance with applicable state and federal guidelines and regulationsCoordinate planning activities with state and federal agencies and local governmentsRepresent R1 throughout the region to assist local governments and R1 member agencies as needed and provide technical expertise on planning issues for public and partner agenciesBoard and Committee ResponsibilitiesAssist with Council and Committee schedules, meeting materials, meeting space, and administrative supportServe as staff support to governing board, policy committee, and advisory committees, based on project assignmentsEnsure board and operational compliance with the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)ResearchAnalyze development trends and research balanced transportation development opportunitiesInvestigate potential project funding, planning funding, and prepare fiscal reporting documents to assist in implementing regional and local land use, housing, and sustainability goalsResearch, analyze, and recommend green community and smart cities initiativesProvide research, writing, and support for plans, reports, studies, and applicationsImplement quantitative and qualitative research methodologyContribute to writing narratives used to obtain grants fundingIdentify partnership opportunities and alternate sources of fundingEnsure the fulfillment of grant and other funding-source-required deliverablesCoordinate grant and other funding-source compliance, involving partner organizations if applicableOtherParticipate in or lead internal and external special projectsAttend meetings, conferences, and workshops as needed to maintain and develop knowledge applicable to areas of responsibilityOther duties as assignedSupervision ReceivedWork is performed under the general supervision of the assigned DirectorSupervision ExercisedDirectly supervises employees and provides leadership, mentoring, work assignments, evaluation, training recommendations, and guidance to othersEducation, Training, and ExperienceGraduate from an accredited institution with a Master's degree in urban planning, political science, public administration, economics, or a related field. A satisfactory equivalent of Bachelor's degree, experience, and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be considered.Minimum of five years of progressive responsibilities and experience with regional planning or project management is preferredAmerican Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred but not requiredAny satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience. Annual completion of Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act training required.Job-Specific SkillsExcellent interpersonal and superior written…