Principal Planner

The Principal Planner class provides planning policy expertise at the State level. This position is in the State Office of Planning Coordination with broad responsibilities for coordinating the State's overall planning policy, functioning as the top management level of planning professional in representing the State's top officials in planning policies at the state, regional and national level. This position is for one of three “Circuit Rider Planners” in the office. The incumbent will be assigned as the primary contact and liaison for all of the local governments within one of Delaware’s counties, and also work on a diverse array of statewide planning projects as a part of our team.

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.

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

1. Experience in planning project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating planning projects to ensure objectives are met.
2. Experience in interpreting the laws, rules, regulations and procedures in land use and geospatial data.
3. Experience in applying the principles and practices of planning related to land use and geospatial data.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

As a condition of hire, the applicant must agree as a requirement of employment to obtain AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification within 24 months of accepting position.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. 

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. 

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.