PLANNER TRAINEE L0560

Definition: This is entry level professional work in the development or review of plans and planning policies prepared at the local, regional or state level.

An employee in this class performs a variety of assignments designed to develop the knowledges and skills necessary for the development, review, or administration of plans and policies in connection with State and Federal programs directed at encouraging and assisting local, regional or state planning programs. Work involves assisting in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data on population, housing, land use, transportation, recreational facilities, utilities and similar areas necessary to review or administer the development of plans and policies. Work also involves assisting in presenting the data gathered in graphic and narrative form. Work also may include limited contact with state agencies, public officials, local and regional planning commissions, civic groups and associations, and the general public to assist in discussion of the plans and policies and in answering questions and seeking cooperation and participation in the planning process, or to assist in providing technical advice and assistance on planning problems. Work assignments are received in the form of oral or written instructions and are closely reviewed while in progress and upon completion by a professional supervisor for complete-ness, quality, and adherence to established standards.

Examples of Work: Assists, under close supervision, in the development, review, or administration of plans and policies at the local, regional or state level.

Assists in the collection, organizing, analyzing and presenting of data on population, housing, land use, transportation, recreational facilities, utilities, and similar areas.

Assists in researching documents and extracting data pertinent to the development, review or administration of plans and policies.

Assists in organizing data into meaningful forms such as charts, graphs, and tables.

Assists in presenting data and expressing ideas in graphic and narrative form.

Assists in preparing recommendations for action to be taken at the local, regional or state level.

Assists in developing presentations for planning commissions and boards, civic groups and associations, and the general public.

Assists in meeting with public officials, local and regional planning boards or commissions, civic groups and associations and the general public to assist in providing technical advice and assistance on planning problems.

Assists in preparing correspondence to answer oral and written inquiries regarding plans and the planning process.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles of planning.

Knowledge of the basic practices of local, regional and state planning.

Knowledge of the process, procedures, and practices involved in conducting research and the ability to apply this knowledge to the planning process.

Knowledge of research methodology, including basic statistical and mathematical techniques.

Knowledge of the available data sources pertaining to planning and development plans and policies.

Knowledge of the component parts of a plan and how these are interrelated in the development of plans for managerial decision making.

Ability to extract, organize, and analyze data.

Ability to present data and express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form.

Ability to organize and carry out assignments effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public officials, and the general public.

Minimum Experience and Training: A bachelor's degree in planning; or

One year of professional experience in local, regional, or state planning; or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 1982

Evaluation Guide - 1990

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST05