Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Director
EPA Smart Growth Program
Washington, DC

US EPA is looking for a dynamic smart growth expert to lead their Development, Community, and Environment Division (DCED). EPA's Smart Growth Program is a nationally recognized source of information,
expertise, and examples of cutting edge practices. The program works closely with The Smart Growth Network, a national coalition of public and private organizations seeking to improve development practices across the US.

The successful candidate will combine in-depth knowledge
of smart growth implementation issues; demonstrated experience successfully leading diverse coalitions; excellent analytical and writing skills; impeccable public speaking and consensus-building skills; familiarity with green building issues; strategic planning experience; and have the skills and experience necessary to manage a highly skilled, interdisciplinary staff of about 20 professionals.

The
position is in Washington, DC in the Office of the Administrator, Office of Cross Media Programs. This is a GS 15 position with a salary range of $115,317 to $149,000. The current solicitation closes Friday October 10, 2008 and is for applicants who already have civil service or reinstatement status (please see the USAJOBS website for all of the specifics regarding eligibility). An announcement open to candidates outside the federal government is expected sometime in October.

For
further details about eligibility and how to apply, please see http://www.usajobs.gov. To find the position description, type in HQ-OA-MP-2008-0095.
Community Planner
Federal Transit Administration
Atlanta, GA - Region IV


Region IV is recruiting for the position of Community Planner, GS-0020-9/11/12/13 located
in Atlanta, GA. To view, please go to the DOT Careers in Motion website:
http://jobsearch.dot.gov

Click on
"FTA" scroll to the bottom of the page then click “Search for Jobs" to view this
opportunity.

The announcement's open period is through October 16 2008.

Program Associate or Senior Associate, Transportation Program
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)

SWEEP is seeking either a Program Associate or a Senior Associate to work on energy efficiency in transportation. Location is either in Boulder, Colorado or elsewhere in the southwest region. Responsibilities include:

Ø Develop and advocate state policies for increasing energy efficiency in the transportation sector including regulatory, incentive, and educational policies;

Ø Analyze the potential energy savings, costs, and benefits of policies and programs for increasing energy efficiency in transportation;

Ø Interact with state officials, businesses, and other public interest groups active in the transportation area;

Ø Keep abreast of new and emerging energy efficiency technologies in the transportation area;

Ø Conduct outreach to raise awareness of these energy efficiency opportunities.

The Program Associate or Senior Associate will carry out these activities in conjunction with other SWEEP staff and our state representatives.

Qualifications: Applicants should have experience working on energy efficiency in the transportation sector. Familiarity with options for increasing vehicle fuel efficiency is especially helpful. Masters degree plus at least three years of experience or Bachelors degree plus at least five years of experience. Strong analytical and communications skills, ability to work independently, and a personal commitment to a cleaner environment and more sustainable future. Experience working for a non-profit organization is also a plus.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits, as well as the opportunity to work in a relaxed environment close to the mountains in Boulder, CO.

Application Deadline: Oct. 15, 2008.

To apply, send brief cover letter and resume (no phone calls, please) to:

Transportation Associate Opening
SWEEP

2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212
Boulder, CO 80302

SWEEP is a public interest organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING INTERN
Town of Chapel Hill, NC
Part-time, temporary
(8-10 hours a week during academic year and 37½ per week during summer)

Responsible for working on regional and local transportation planning projects, including the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan, regional modeling project, Short Range Transit Plan, and other projects. Planning or public administration background required, with emphasis on transportation planning.

Computer skills desired include transportation modeling and GIS. Start $15/hour.
Apply by September 25
at Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill 27514. (919-968-2700.)

To apply on-line visit our website at www.townofchapelhill.org .
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application
. EOE.

NEPA Research Internship Opportunity
Austin, Texas.

Interested in a research internship focused on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements? Cubit Planning has an unpaid planning internship for a graduate student who is interested in environmental planning and NEPA. Strong writing skills are needed. You must be able to commit an average of 10 hours per week to internship activities. The hours are flexible around your class schedule. The majority of the work is internet research and can be completed at the location of your choice. Sample responsibilities include researching NEPA requirements, writing summaries of your research, reviewing environmental documents, and considering best practices. Additional responsibilities may follow depending on the intern’s abilities and interests. To apply, submit your resume and a one page response telling us anything you want about yourself to cubitcareers@cubitplanning.com by September 30, 2008.

Cubit Planning is start up company that produces automated environmental reports that address the NEPA requirements.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Wake County Planning Department Intern
Hours Per Week: (Average 20-30)
Internship Duration: September 2008 – May 2009

Wake County is a rapidly urbanizing county located in central North Carolina. It is the second most populous county in the state: its 2007 resident population exceeded 830,000 – an increase of over 205,000 residents since the April 1, 2000 Census count. In light of the unprecedented growth in Wake County – on average 106 new people established roots in Wake County last year – Wake County Commissioners sought to re-engage a discussion on growth issues with elected officials of the County’s 12 municipalities and the Board of Education.

During the initial meeting of the Growth Issues Task Force, on June 19, 2008, members selected critical growth issues on which to focus their efforts, including a high quality educational system, increased mass transit opportunities, and local government joint planning and cooperation. Wake County Planning Department leads and coordinates programs and special projects pertaining to these issues, such as student growth forecasting and demographic trends analysis; strategic planning support for Wake County services and programs including public safety, human services and regional transportation; and inter-local growth management planning.

Please visit www.wakegov.com/planning for more information.

The intern selected will join a team of 20 people tasked with addressing these and other growth and development issues. The intern will work on a range of analytical assessments pertaining to population growth and comprehensive planning. Projects will require research and analysis, creating and manipulating databases, assisting with report writing and presentations. The position reports to the Long Range Planning Administrator and will be housed in the Wake County Planning Department offices, 5th Floor, Wake County Office Building, 336 Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh, NC.

The candidate must have completed a Bachelors degree and be currently enrolled in a Masters (Planning or Public Policy), MPA, or MS program, preferably in a masters program with analytical research and quantitative methods curriculum. The candidate must be familiar with and able to use various PC software packages. Experience with Excel, Access, SPSS and demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate must be willing to work in highly collaborative environments and establish effective working relationships with numerous internal and external clients.

Submit resumes to sharon.peterson@co.wake.nc.us by Noon, September 19, 2008

Friday, September 12, 2008


Senior Planner (Development Project Manager)
Town of Leland
Leland, NC
Experience: 3-5 years
FLSA: Non Exempt, hourly
Salary Range: $ 32,524-49,563

Definition:
Under direction of the Department Director, administers specified planning activities including current planning, zoning and subdivision ordinance, advanced planning, transportation planning, complex professional planning activities, such as serving as project manager for complex development and land use applications; provides professional information and assistance to the Director, the Planning Board, the Town Council, developers, contractors and the general public; performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; serves on review committees; and performs related work as required.

Class Characteristics:
This class is an advanced position in the professional planning classification series with responsibilities spanning the full spectrum of planning functions encountered by a developing town. Incumbents may be in charge of either Current Planning/Zoning Administration or Long Range Planning. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skills in coordinating assignments with those of other town departments and public agencies. The class is distinguished from Director in that the latter has responsibility for overall planning functions and for developing, implementing and interpreting public policy. It is distinguished from the next lower level of Associate Planner in that the Senior Planner handles more complex applications and has some supervisory authority over lower-level Planners. Attendance of night meetings is mandatory to performing job function.

Examples of Key Duties: (Duties are illustrative and not inclusive and may vary with individual assignment.)

  • Assists in supervising professional, technical and support staff, including determining project procedures and schedules.
  • Updates and creates long-range planning documents such as the Town's Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance, Master Plan, CAMA Plan and other assigned plans.
  • Serves as project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review for project plans and applications and making recommendations; manages consultant contacts including determining scope of work and budgets, tracking budgets and approving contract payments.
  • Prepares written project analysis including identifying appropriate land use policy, design issues, transportation issues and environmental requirements; makes recommendations for action.
  • Reviews applications for commercial and industrial development; evaluates alternatives and conformance with Town policies, ordinances, the General Plan and state and federal laws; prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Board and Town Council regarding such applications.
  • Reviews applications for compliance with applicable ordinances and policies.
    Serves as staff liaison for review boards, committees and elected officials, including providing technical advice and giving presentations.
  • Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers architects and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans specifications and codes; explains codes, requirements and procedures and evaluates alternatives.
  • Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances, makes recommendations on changes.

Education and Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in town, urban planning, landscape architecture or a field related to the area of assignment and three to five years of planning related experience, which must have included two years of project management, plan review or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

Licenses:
Persons hired into this class may be required either to possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits certification by the American Planning Institute, other designated licenses, professional registrations, certifications or specialized education and training related to the area of assignment. Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites within the Town and away from the Town and to inspect various work, building or construction sites; strength to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 25 pounds, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and/or radio.
For more details and employment application, please visit our website www.townofleland.com.

Submit application and résumé to 102 Town Hall Drive Leland, NC 28451 Attn: Human Resources or amintz@townofleland.com or fax (910)371-1073 no later than September 22, 2008. The Town of Leland is an EEO employer. No phone calls please.