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

An employee in this class develops or reviews the development of plans and planning policies, evaluates plans and planning policies, or performs similar assignments in connection with State and Federal programs directed at encouraging and assisting in the development of local, regional or state planning programs. Plans and planning policies development is characterized by the determination of the data base necessary to develop the plan, determining all the possible approaches and selecting the most appropriate ones, conducting the necessary research, and preparing and submitting recommendations in the form of plans and policies which include the major factors and influences which may impact on managerial decisions. Planning and planning policies review is characterized by reviewing the plans prepared by or for local, regional or state governments for completeness, technical soundness and feasibility of recommendations. Work involves preparing studies or background reports on population, housing, land use, transportation, recreational facilities, utilities and similar areas and analyses of the impacts of these on the proposed plans and planning policies. Work involves the selection and development of the research methodology for the review of plans and policies. Work also involves meeting with public officials, local and regional planning commissions, civic groups and associations and the general public to encourage planning activity, render technical advice and assistance, explain the plans and policies, answer questions, seek cooperation and participation in the planning process, and to provide technical advice and assistance. Work may involve reviewing proposed legislation to assess its impact on the development of plans and planning policies at the local, regional or state level. Work assignments are received in the form of oral or written instructions and the employee exercises freedom of judgment in selecting the approach to be followed. Work is reviewed upon completion by a professional supervisor for completeness, quality, and adherence to established standards.

Examples of Work: Develops or reviews the development of plans and planning policies and assists in the evaluation of plans and planning policies at the local, regional and state level.

Prepares studies or background reports on population, housing, land use, transportation, recreational facilities, utilities and similar areas and analyzes the impact of these on the plans and planning policies.

Selects and develops research methodology for development and review of plans and planning policies.

Conducts research into physical, economic, social and demographic phenomena, analyzes and interprets the data, and prepares graphic and narrative reports on its significance and applications to plans and planning policies being developed or reviewed.

Develops presentations for planning commissions and boards, civic groups and associations and the general public.

Meets with public officials, local and regional planning boards or commissions, civic groups and associations and the general public to encourage planning activities, provide technical advice and assistance, explain the plans and planning policies, or the development and/or review of the development of plans and planning policies.

Identifies the relationships between state and local or regional plans and planning policies and meets with public officials, local and regional planing boards and commissions, and civic groups and associations to resolve differences.

Reviews proposed legislation to assess impact on development of plans and planing policies at the local, regional or state level.

Prepares 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 as applied to the administration of state government programs.

Knowledge of the practices and objectives 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 the organization and administration of governmental programs and the major influences impacting on governmental decision making and program development.

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

Knowledge of the factors involved in local, regional and state plan development.

Knowledge of the available data sources pertaining to planning and the development of 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: One year as a Planner 1;

or

A master's degree in planning and one year of professional planning experience;

or

Three years 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 ST07