Planner I (#MFEA01)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

Planner II (#MFEA02)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$45,798.00 Yearly Min / $57,248.00 Yearly Mid / $68,698.00 Yearly Max

Planner III (#MFEA03)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$51,858.00 Yearly Min / $64,822.00 Yearly Mid / $77,786.00 Yearly Max

Planner IV (#MFEA04)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

Planner V (#MFEA05)
$66,489.00 Yearly Min / $83,111.00 Yearly Mid / $99,733.00 Yearly Max

Planning Supervisor (#MFEA06)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

Principal Planner (#MFEA07)
$66,489.00 Yearly Min / $83,111.00 Yearly Mid / $99,733.00 Yearly Max

Manager of Planning (#MFEA08)
$75,286.00 Yearly Min / $94,107.00 Yearly Mid / $112,928.00 Yearly Max

Chief of Planning (#MFEA09)
$80,112.00 Yearly Min / $100,140.00 Yearly Mid / $120,168.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses nine levels of work in the Engineering, Planning and Technical Services occupational group, Planning occupational series and describes full performance professional planning work. Full performance professional planning encompasses analyzing past and current trends, synthesizing the results with the present regulatory, social, economic, political, and environmental situation, conceptualizing and developing viable alternatives and recommendations, presenting the findings and recommendations to public officials and citizens, and evaluating the impact and outcomes of those recommendations.

Note: The career ladder incorporates levels I, II, III and IV; specifically, depending upon agency needs, positions can be classified up to the IV level (highest level in the career ladder). The Planner I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet minimum qualifications and promotional standards.  Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with promotional standards for those levels assigned to an agency.  The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that defines and describes the complexity of work required at the various levels.  Based on the level of work described at the IV level and agency needs, there would be opportunity for only a select number of positions to be filled at this level.

The Planner V, Planning Supervisor, Principal Planner, Manager of Planning and Chief of Planning, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees; thus, there is a "dual career track" available.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Analyze and assess data, problems, and issues and their impact on programs, plans or the current environment.
   
• Define and evaluate alternative uses of resources, viable options/approaches and anticipated costs and benefits, consequences and outcomes using present and projected information.
   
• Develop recommended course of action for public and private decisions in formal plans and policies including policy statements, budget allocations, regulations and/or legislation to affect and facilitate change and reach objectives.
   
• Formulate plans and policies to meet the social, economic, and physical needs of communities.
   
• Develop, promote and market strategies for the implementation of plans, policies and programs.
   
• Build consensus with community leaders, customers, advocates, and other affected parties via negotiations, mediation and facilitation.
   
• Involve and educate special interest groups, customers, and public officials via variety of forums, e.g., seminars, workshops, conferences, newsletters, assessments, and analytical reports. 
   
• Coordinate planning activities and policies across state, regional, county and local levels; integrate with other entities outside the state.
   
• Provide technical assistance, training and education for understanding and managing change.
   
• Design and manage the planning process.
   
• Systematically evaluate the impact of plan implementation and incorporate findings with the ongoing planning process.

Planner I

This class describes first level planning work encompassing the full range of planning activities as described in Essential Functions.

• Performs full range of planning activities.
• Learns agency operations.
• Receives close supervision in agency processes and procedures.
• Responsible for less complex planning projects.
• Responsible for providing assistance to higher level planning staff on more complex projects.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with others outside the supervisory chain, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of coordinating and gathering information.

Planner II

This class describes full performance planning work for projects of varying complexities including complex projects and providing assistance to higher level planning staff on the most complex projects.

• Full performance (full range of planning activities).
• Receives less supervisory direction and assistance.
• Responsible for full range of planning for projects of varying complexities including complex projects.
• Project leader on less complex projects (can include or be limited to contractual staff).
• Responsible for providing assistance to higher level planning staff on the most complex projects.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with others outside the supervisory chain, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of clarifying underlying rationale, intent, and motive by educating others on unfamiliar concepts and theories.

Planner III

This class describes full performance planning work for the most complex planning projects that may include work at a project lead level.

• Full performance (full range of planning activities) for the most complex planning projects.
• Work at this level may include full performance project leaders (can include or be limited to contractual staff).  Typical elements of direct control over other positions/employees by a project leader include assigning work, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness, correctness and soundness, scheduling work and establishing work standards.
• Receives general supervision - supervisor does periodic review of progress.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff  and with others outside the supervisory chain and agency, regardless of the method of communication, for the purpose of educating others on the benefits and intent of proper planning in order to gain support for projects and strategies.

Planner IV

This class is the expert level in a broad area of planning requiring the highest level of technical expertise. Positions at this level will report to top management/agency officials.

• Technical expert in broad area of planning.
• Acknowledged as expert (non managerial) planning professional position by peers and management by being delegated to function as a recognized expert in the application, use and adaptation of guidelines related to a broad area of planning; positions are recognized by management and peers as authoritative sources of expertise who possess a comprehensive knowledge in a broad area of planning and apply such knowledge to assignments; managers, peers, and users recognize and rely on position to provide guidance, direction, and instruction regarding the proper application and adaptation of standards (such as federal guides, rules and regulations), principles, concepts, techniques, systems and other guidelines related to the area of expertise.  
• Formulates policies to carry out and implement activities. 
• Provide expert direction to management on planning activities on a statewide basis.
• Direct and oversee all activities related to a broad area of planning.
• Directly influence management decisions and the direction of a broad area of planning.
• Formulates strategies that support objectives and activities of a broad area of planning or changes in direction and new initiatives.
• May represent Cabinet Secretary at state, county and local levels at planning meetings.
• Note: This level does not preclude positions also having responsibilities as project leaders.

Planner V

This class is the expert level in a broad area of planning requiring the highest level of technical expertise at the state, regional and national level.   Positions at this level will report to top management/agency officials.

• Performs essential functions of the IV level.
• Acknowledged as expert (non managerial) planning professional at the state, regional and national level.
• Appointed by Cabinet Secretary to represent the Department at the national and regional level on boards and professional association committees to develop policy and professional standards.
• On a regular and continuing basis, represents Cabinet Secretary at state, regional and national levels at planning meetings and conferences.

Planning Supervisor

This class is the full supervisory level.

• First line supervisor.
• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit, full time positions (per the Merit Rules), one of which must be in the professional planning series and cannot be limited to contractual staff. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, and recommending hire, fire and discipline.  Supervision must include responsibility, as needed, for providing documentation to support recommended corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances.
• Work at this level may include functioning as full performance project leader in addition to being a first line supervisor.
• Work at this level may include functioning as a technical expert in a specialized area of planning.
• May represent Cabinet Secretary at state, county and local levels at planning meetings.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with others outside the supervisory chain and agency, regardless of the method of communication, primarily for the purpose of educating others on the benefits and intent of proper planning in order to gain support for projects and strategies and to ensure compliance with requirements, goals and objectives of agency.

Principal Planner 

This class provides planning policy expertise at the State level.  Positions at this level are found at the State Office of Planning Coordination with broad responsibilities for coordinating the State's overall planning policy or at a Department's Division level, reporting to a Division Director or Deputy Director, with responsibilities for functioning as the top management level of planning professional for an entire Division in representing the State's top officials in planning policies at the state, regional and national level.

• Staff Management/Supervision
• Manage the activities and operation of a planning unit or coordinate the State's overall policy development, implementation and evaluation with other planning staff at the State policy level. Administrative
• Determines goals and objectives of a planning unit or focus groups.
• Integrates State level plans with other state, federal, local agencies and the private sector.
• May be responsible for developing and monitoring budgetary or fiscal elements of operations, projects and/or programs. Planning Policy
• Formulates planning policy at the State level.
• Provides oversight and leadership for inter-agency and inter-governmental planning activities ensuring consistency with existing policy and regulatory requirements.
• Provides planning policy direction to agency officials, Governor's Office, Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues, and the General Assembly.
• Formulates strategies that support objectives and activities of State planning/policy, including changes in direction and new initiatives.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with others outside the supervisory chain and agency, regardless of the method of communication, primarily for the purpose of providing leadership on State level planning policy issues and new initiatives.
• Note: This level does not preclude positions also having responsibilities as project leaders.

Manager of Planning

This class is the management level providing comprehensive strategic and tactical planning for a Department to ensure appropriate public program services and infrastructure are developed and maintained.  Positions at this level are employed in a centralized planning function for a Department which involves planning for the entire Department and responsibility for the integration of the Department's overall planning functions.  Reports to an appointed official.

• Staff Management/Supervision:
• Directs planning staff through subordinate planner supervisors and other planning unit supervisory positions.
• Manages work in terms of what to accomplish - how to do it is prescribed to subordinates only at the level of policies and general rules. Administrative:
• Administers multiple planning programs/projects providing leadership and direction in shaping a Department's objectives, long-range planning programs, proposed legislation, policies and emerging technologies/methodologies that impact the Department's overall planning functions. 
• Determines operational, project and program goals and objectives; sets forth general policies.
• Responsible for developing and monitoring budgetary or fiscal elements of operations, projects and/or programs.
• Plans, organizes, staffs, and coordinates work operations with other Managers to ensure integration of the Department's planning functions. Planning Policy
• Provides advisory services to top department and state officials in a subspecialty area including formulating planning policy at the State level.
• Provides oversight and leadership for inter-agency and inter-governmental planning activities ensuring consistency with existing policy and regulatory requirements.
• Formulates strategies that support objectives and activities of State planning/policy, including changes in direction and new initiatives.
• Regular contacts are typically with internal agency staff and with others outside the supervisory chain and agency, regardless of the method of communication, primarily for the purpose of providing leadership on State level planning policy issues and new initiatives; advising management and others on planning issues; developing, negotiating and managing public/private partnerships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, goals and objectives of agency.

Chief of Planning

This class is the management level providing direction on public policy issues to a Cabinet Secretary and the Governor's Office and the impact of such issues on social, economic, scientific, legal, diplomatic, environmental, and other issues of statewide, regional and national significance. A position at this level is the highest level planning professional resource for a Department and the State.

• Staff Management/Supervision:
• Directs planners and planning staff. 
• Oversees the implementation of planning and resources management programs.
• Directs and coordinates overall planning function for specialty area or serves as principal contact for issues impacting on the State's overall plan for quality of life.
• Directs regulatory functions of planning programs.
• Oversees and determines appropriateness of planning proposals based on community need, cost, relationship to existing services, benefits and consequences to the public, and relevance to the changing environment for the planning specialty area.
• Oversees and directs major/State funding programs for planning initiatives.
• Serves as top agency representative to the Governor's Office and various councils. Planning Policy
• Provides planning policy direction to agency officials, the Governor's Office, Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues, and the General Assembly.
• Provides direct staff support to a Cabinet Secretary or the Governor's Office in development of policies, programs and management plans.
• Develops, decides and implements department and/or state policy.
• Builds and achieves consensus among departments and other government agencies for strategic planning initiatives.
• Prepares policy position papers on complex and controversial issues requiring action of top State officials. Position papers typically require integration of governmental, budgetary, financial, program planning and policy analysis.
• Drafts legislation, executive orders, rules and regulations for planning programs and policies.
• Chairs departmental and gubernatorial committees, task forces and study groups.
• Regular work contacts with others outside the supervisory chain, regardless of the method of communication, are for the purpose of negotiating as an official state representative in order to obtain support or cooperation where there is no formal rule or law in requiring such action.  Such negotiation has fiscal or programmatic impact on an agency.  In reaching settlements or compromises, the position does not have a rule or regulation to enforce but is accountable for the function.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the planning profession.
• Knowledge of the areas of concentration, e.g., environmental, social, land use, health, emergency management, transportation, etc., as it applies to planning functions.
• Knowledge of historical and contemporary issues in the planning profession.
• Knowledge of the intergovernmental and inter-departmental planning activities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project leadership and project management.
• Knowledge of the applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of public policy formulation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding sources and budgetary cycles, procedures.
• Skill in formulating problems and designing and conducting research.
• Skill in applying analytical methods including computer and statistical methods to planning problems.
• Skill in designing mechanisms for collecting and evaluating information such as surveys.
• Skill in building interpersonal relationships in order to work effectively with peers, customers, the public and state and federal officials.
• Skill in organizing and facilitating focus groups, meetings, symposium and other public forums.
• Ability to develop comprehensive plans and visualize their efforts.
• Ability to see issues in a global perspective and understand the relationship with other initiatives within and outside the agency.
• Ability to integrate various disciplines into the planning process.
• Ability to analyze and examine issues and options.
• Ability to mediate and facilitate group discussions.
• Ability to synthesize, interpret and simplify complex issues.
• Ability to be resourceful, use initiative and sound judgment in defining and preparing significant substantive elements of planning activities in the public interest.
• Ability to develop recommended courses of action and express ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Planner V requires:

• Skill in developing national standards for the planning profession.
• Skill in public policy formulation and evaluation at the state, national and regional levels.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Planning Supervisor requires:

• Skill in the principles and practices of supervision.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Principal Planner, Manager of Planning and Chief of Planning require:

• Knowledge of budget processes and fiscal policy at the state and federal level.
• Skill in the principles and practices of  management and administration.
• Skill in the analysis and development of legislation.
• Skill in managing public/private partnerships.
• Skill in the principles and practices of producing and implementing public policy.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Planner I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of the theories, concepts, principles, practices and procedures of planning.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices of problem formulation, research design, implementation and analysis.
3. Knowledge of analytical and evaluative modes.