Planner I & GIS Specialist

JOB TITLE:                 MPO Planner I & GIS Specialist

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt

DEPARTMENT:        MPO

SUPERVISOR:          MPO Director or MPO Planning Project & GIS Coordinator

SALARY:                    $52,906 to $74,067 Annually

Performs professional level work in the field of transportation planning and to lead and oversee the more complex and difficult work of GIS (Geographic Information Systems); to provide information and assistance to agencies and individuals of the Cheyenne Metropolitan Planning Organization, other local government departments, developers, the business community, and the public on transportation planning, demographic data, land use and GIS matters.

• Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations
• Reviews and/or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies, boards, commissions, and other committees as directed.
• Provides GIS spatial and attribute data analysis, creates custom and complex GIS digital mapping and custom database products, digital information, and hardcopy for internal and external agencies.
• Provides GIS database information and data by the MPO to outside agencies including private and public sector entities where applicable. Answers questions and provide information to the public on transportation planning and GIS; research information; interpret data and explain regulations to citizens; and assist with inquiries pertaining to planning.
• Maintain existing GIS related applications, source code, data files, database system, and internet web data and assists in developing new and more effective applications of these programs.
• Maintains and updates the existing database sets utilized in the regional travel demand model, collects, and maintains regional transportation, demographic, historic, environmental data, and other related data and performs the analysis of data to provide professional support to all MPO planning activities.
• Aids in collecting, analyzing, and importing appropriate data from outside agencies, local/state governments, and other sources into the MPO regional database files.  Provides demographic information for staff analysis and public inquiry and generates data for use in periodic reports.
• Maintains MPO website with content, images, studies, plans, data, and maps.
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects as directed.

• Participate in the collection of data utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS).
• Participate in development and maintenance of websites.
• Attend technical meetings, conferences and seminars related to GIS and transportation planning issues and developments.
• Estimate time, material, software, and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisition materials as required.
• Assist in preparing and/or updating elements of Cheyenne Area Plans, Transportation Improvement Program, and Traffic Analysis Zones for travel demand forecasting.
• Collect a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
• Evaluate or assist in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
• Act as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
• Provide information to the public regarding development regulations
• Assist in resolving citizen and customer issues
• Oversee the work of consultants
• Conduct field evaluations and assessments
• Attend a substantial number of evening meetings
• Prepare technical presentations and supporting materials for transportation planning and regional planning studies.
• Prepare plans and maps in conjunction with other agencies for the development and redevelopment of transportation systems and land use plans.  Assist in researching, preparing, and developing comprehensive planning program policies related to GIS.
• Train employees in their areas of work in technical GIS methods, techniques, and in the set up and use of equipment.  Teach basic GIS, data driven, and special needs/projects classes in the computer labs to all GIS users.
• Attend inter-agency and department meetings and conferences to develop transportation planning and GIS strategies and procedures; serves as liaison with outside agencies and other City/County/State Departments associated with the Cheyenne MPO and Cooperative GIS Program.  Participates on various committees and advisory boards; undertake research; prepare reports and maps.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired.
• Knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) computer software (Advanced applications).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of transportation planning.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of current, comprehensive planning.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of computer programming and operating systems.
• Knowledge of manual and digital cartographic techniques and standards; ability to comprehend and develop technical specifications for manual and GIS related products.
• Knowledge of laws underlying general plans, zoning, land divisions, and Federal Transportation rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of current literature, information sources and research techniques in the field of transportation planning and GIS.
• Knowledge of WordPress to maintain MPO websites.
• Ability to perform the full range of professional level work in current, comprehensive and transportation planning.
• Ability to perform the full range of professional level work in GIS.
• Skill to operate modern equipment including computer equipment, advanced computer software, GIS software, and GPS equipment.
• Skill to independently perform the most difficult GIS requests and database management.
• Skill to utilize GIS software and programming languages.
• Ability to maintain multi-layered GIS databases.
• Ability to coordinate and integrate knowledge from various sources.
• Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports including maps and displays.
• Ability to respond to difficult and sensitive requests and inquiries from the public.
• Ability to read and interpret mapping and survey data, site plans, zoning codes, legal descriptions, and related information.
• Ability to technical report writing, problem solving and documentation.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, government officials and the public.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Safe driving principles and practice.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to operate computers, copiers, and related office equipment.

:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, geography, or closely related fields, or the equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain the physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Work closely with others in an office environment utilizing a computer and other office equipment with some occasional outdoor work involving data collection and observations.

The City of Cheyenne offers the following benefits to Full Time Employees.

Health

Dental

Vision

Life

Pension