SENIOR PLANNER

Recruitment #2406-4165-001

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

Are you a data-driven urban planner with a strong commitment to equity and sustainability, seeking an opportunity to inform land use, economic development, and policy in a large city?

Consider applying for this Senior Planner position, which offers a broad mix of duties managing projects for the Department of City Development (DCD) Planning Division!

The Senior Planner carries out data analysis, visualization, and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping to support the DCD’s neighborhood planning and housing and economic development efforts. The incumbent collects, analyzes, and communicates in both written and graphical form demographic, economic, and land use data in connection with comprehensive plans, area and corridor plans, housing and economic development planning, and development/redevelopment studies. In collaboration with colleagues and external community partners, the Senior Planner manages complex projects and identifies the most effective strategies to use data and mapping to advance departmental goals and keep the public and City policymakers informed.

Essential Functions

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

  • Lead and collaborate on team projects carrying out citywide and neighborhood planning projects, including managing consultants, interns, and staff on specific assignments and carrying out public engagement.
  • Analyze data and draft reports for use in grant applications, policy planning, and other departmental initiatives. Research and recommend changes to public policy and regulations to achieve land use goals. Maintain knowledge of best practices in the planning field, including legislation, case law, and professional practices and techniques for conducting analysis and producing compelling visualizations accessible to a variety of audiences.
  • Produce high-quality public-facing finished products/deliverables tailored for the applicable audiences.
  • Manage the development and updates to the Annual Housing Affordability Report and the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP).
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to neighborhood groups, public bodies, and community partners. Disseminate planning information for use in decision making.

GIS MAPPING:

  • Lead GIS mapping activities for the Planning Division and provide support to other DCD Divisions, including using GIS software to create maps and conducting analyses to support planning and development projects.
  • Liaise with the City of Milwaukee Information Technology Management Division (ITMD) to coordinate the availability and updating of departmental data for inclusion on citywide mapping and data platforms.
  • Provide support and training to Planning Division staff who use GIS and identify new technology and tools to support and streamline planning work.
  • Build capacity and train Planning Division staff in the use of GIS for mapping and data analysis.

DATA ANALYSIS:

  • Manage planning projects that rely on data analysis and projections to inform land use, development planning, and policy recommendations, including creating compelling narratives, stories, and data visualizations, conducting market studies, preparing data summaries for public use, and developing neighborhood indicators.
  • Conduct data analysis to support comprehensive and strategic planning efforts, including identifying appropriate data sources, analyzing data, performing trend and market analysis, presenting findings, and making recommendations based on findings.
  • Lead the ongoing analysis and monitoring of Anti-Displacement and Neighborhood Change Indicators.
  • Explore data analysis tools, techniques, and other technological advancements, such as 3D land use planning and analysis tools to advance outcomes and efficiencies.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Senior Planner must be willing and able to do the following:

  • Travel to meetings at various locations throughout the city.
  • Occasionally work evenings and weekends in the community.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, geography, urban informatics, data science/analytics, economics, statistics, GIS, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
  2. Four years of professional urban planning experience, including experience managing projects incorporating data analysis and GIS mapping.
  3. Ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. For example, a related Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of experience as described under #2, above, may be substituted for the Bachelor’s Degree plus four years of experience as described above.

 

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

  • A Master’s Degree in a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience using statistical analysis software and graphic design software for data visualization.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

TECHNICAL

  • Ability to perform demographic and historical research and data analysis for planning and development using U.S. Census Bureau data as well as appropriate local data sources.
  • Knowledge of urban planning principles, including economic development and land use planning.
  • Knowledge of automated mapping and ArcGIS principles and practices and GIS theory and application.
  • Ability to research and analyze data, interpret data and trends, and create clear visual and narrative summaries of data using tools such as ArcGIS StoryMaps and Experience Builder, Tableau business intelligence and analytics software, or comparable tools.
  • Ability to perform a variety of difficult mapping and data analysis assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key takeaways and recommendations.
  • Computer skills; the ability to learn proprietary software and use spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications.
  • Knowledge of and proficiency using GIS (ArcPro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online), Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and database software.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex job-related documents.
  • Knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL


  • Effective verbal communication skills to clearly convey information.
  • Written and graphic communication skills to write clear business correspondence, compelling narratives, and thorough, accurate technical reports.
  • Customer service skills to effectively meet the needs of a variety of customers, including elected officials, departmental staff, community partners, and the public.
  • Ability to effectively present information to groups of varying sizes, as well as to provide training to staff.
  • Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

CRITICAL THINKING, PLANNING, AND PROFESSIONALISM

  • Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment on planning matters and work tasks.
  • Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities.
  • Time management, project management, and strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to control large volumes of detail-oriented work and maintain records accurately.
  • Ability to carry out complex assignments with a high degree of independence.
  • Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and sensitive issues.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2MX) is $94,758-$112,137 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $97,601-$115,501 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
  • In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, a Senior Planner with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification will be paid an additional 3%, OR
  • In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, a Senior Planner who is an Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) Recognized Professional shall be paid an additional 3%.
BENEFITS: The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

 

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
  • Applications and transcripts should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO Code = 201

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.