ASSOCIATE PLANNER - ENAGEMENT SPECIALIST
ASSOCIATE PLANNER – ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is seeking a highly motivated communications and outreach professional to join our team as an Associate Planner. Under general supervision of the Planning Manager, this position will be responsible for developing and coordinating community engagement to support a variety of projects related to transportation, land use, and environmental planning. This position will also assist with development of policies and procedures to support the agency’s goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
TRPC believes in fostering a supportive work environment for staff, which values diverse points of view, inclusion, belonging, and autonomy. We are dedicated in developing a diverse workforce who value their work and are committed to TRPC’s mission and core values. For more information visit www.trpc.org or phone (360) 956-7575. This position will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application by May 6, 2024. Please list the position title Associate Planner – Engagement Specialist in your application materials.
ABOUT TRPC
TRPC is a Regional Transportation Planning Organization and Metropolitan Planning Organization governed by a 23-member intergovernmental board. Located in Olympia, Washington, TRPC is approximately 60 miles south of Seattle and 120 miles north of Portland, Oregon. Residents of the region enjoy a high quality of life and reasonable cost of living amid beautiful natural surroundings. With a current county-wide population of around 300,000, we are one of the fastest growing regions in Washington, making our area an exciting place for regional planning.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The successful candidate will work within our team structure to craft and coordinate compelling engagement opportunities that promote and support a wide variety of projects related to regional planning. We are looking for a skilled communicator who is passionate about inclusive public participation and can translate complex data and information into messages and multimedia content that resonate with diverse community members, partners, and public officials.
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
- Work with project leads to develop and implement public participation and communication plans.
- Work with technical subject matter experts and communication staff to create outreach materials appropriate for print and online.
- Work with our management team to identify agency needs for addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals, and develop guidance for effectively incorporating equity into planning projects.
- Build relationships with key community contacts, and identify avenues for community perspectives to inform agency work and priorities.
- Assist staff in developing effective messaging (for example, for surveys and presentations).
- Track and advise staff on regulations, best practices, and emerging trends in public engagement, including related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
A successful candidate could expect to:
- Work under minimal supervision
- Serve as a working project manager and/or working technical specialist
- Work within a team environment
- Juggle multiple tasks and competing deadlines
- Communicate and interact with staff at public, private, and non-profit organizations and the public
- Build trusting relationships with community representatives
- Occasionally work evenings or weekends to staff public engagement events
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We encourage potential applicants to apply even though they may not satisfy every qualification listed. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a real interest in community engagement to support planning and public policy, please submit your application.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Knowledge of:
- planning practices, regulations, and principles
- public participation principles and best practices
- online and social media communication best practices
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- A solid foundation in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) principles and best practices.
- Data interpretation skills, with the ability to use data to tell compelling stories
- Experience in public engagement working with multiple partners and diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work cooperatively with others as a member of a team
- Ability to problem solve and prioritize workload
- A strong desire to serve the public interest
- Demonstrated project management experience
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
For the position of Associate Planner, the candidate will have at a minimum:
- A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in planning, communications, public relations, environmental studies, geography, political science, or a closely related field
- Three or more years of experience in planning, communications, public relations, or related fields.
- One or more years of project management experience
Or
Any demonstrated combination of experience and education, which provides the applicant with the required knowledge and abilities.
SALARY
Salary range and placement for the Associate Planner position will depend on qualifications.
Associate Planner salary $6,439 – $8,041 per month.
BENEFITS
TRPC offers a full benefits package which includes:
Work-Life Balance: supports flexible work schedules, telecommuting, membership to Employee Assistance Program
Retirement: employees are participants in the Washington State PERS system and Deferred Compensation Plan
Health Insurance: employer paid health insurance for individuals and generous coverage for dependents through Washington State’s Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB)
Paid Leave: 11 paid holidays, including 1 floating holiday, and accrued paid leave
TO APPLY
Find full application information and materials on the agency’s website at www.trpc.org, or phone Thurston Regional Planning Council at (360) 956-7575. Email application materials to HR@trpc.org. Thurston Regional Planning Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity throughout the organization. If special accommodations to apply for this position are needed, please telephone and ask for our ADA Coordinator. For TDD users, please use the state’s toll-free relay service by calling (800) 833-6388 and ask the operator to dial (360) 956-7575.
To be considered, applicants must submit all the following:
- Letter of interest that addresses how your education, experience, knowledge, and abilities make you an ideal candidate for the position.
- Resume.
- Completed TRPC application.
During the recruitment process, applicants may make inquiries by email to HR@trpc.org. The most qualified applicants will be invited to take part in an interview process.
Reference checks are part of TRPC’s recruitment process, subject to state law.
