Job Category: Full-time (40 hours per week), non-supervisory, non-temporary
Experience: Master's degree in urban/regional planning or related discipline; at least 3 years of relevant work experience preferred
Compensation: $22.00 to $32.00 per hour
Date Created: October 17, 2024
About Blackhawk Hills Regional Council (BHRC)
BHRC is Northwest Illinois' regional planning organization and EDA-designated Economic Development District. We provide community, economic, and natural resources planning and implementation support in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties.
About the Region
The Blackhawk Hills region features small cities, rural vistas, and interesting terrain, including the iconic Mississippi River, rugged Driftless Area, and gently rolling Rock River Hills. We are within a two-hour drive of major metropolitan areas like Chicago, IL, Madison, WI, and the Quad Cities (IL/IA).
About the Position
In close coordination with BHRC's executive director and regional planner, the Community Resiliency Planner (CRP) will support strategies to improve the resiliency of Northwest Illinois communities in the face of changing economic conditions, demographic decline, and climate change. The CRP works throughout the six-county region, remotely, and in our office in Rock Falls. Occasional travel beyond the region is anticipated.
Essential Functions
Develop, maintain, and implement the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest Illinois; work closely with BHRC colleagues to update CEDS data; educate key stakeholders on the CEDS and its implementation
Build relationships with local communities, businesses, and not-for-profits in support of the CEDS; facilitate CEDS Committee calls and leadership roundtables; create resource newsletters for BHRC constituencies
Develop capital improvement plans for units of local government
Support various planning resiliency initiatives, such as: Strategic planning for areas, corridors, and communities; Sustainability planning (e.g., energy efficiency/transition, green infrastructure, hazard mitigation, Tree City USA, and water supply/quality plans); Transportation planning (e.g., walkability assessments, trail development plans); Quality of life planning (including broadband, childcare, housing, and local foods)
Proactively seek funding, technical, and other types of public and private assistance for BHRC and its stakeholders; help BHRC stakeholders prepare for and respond to funding and technical assistance opportunities, especially those in support of CEDS implementation
Administer awards, track project progress, and submit financial/programmatic reports
Other roles as assigned
Initially, the CRP will support the regional planner in implementing IDOT-funded active transportation initiatives, including the 3D visualization of trails, streets/sidewalks walkability assessments, and a Trail Towns-like guide publication. The CRP will also be tasked with a new initiative to integrate the CEDS and county hazard mitigation plans across Northwest Illinois using established best practices. The new hire must be comfortable working with various stakeholders and agencies, speaking publicly about the initiative, and securing the support of local leaders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Interested in people; personable and empathetic; capable of building long-term relationships
Working knowledge of urban/regional planning and design
Proficient in: Google apps, especially Sheets; Microsoft Office apps, especially Excel; Meeting facilitation; Proficiency in ArcGIS, Survey 123, SketchUp, Adobe CC, Tableau, etc. a plus
Familiar with: Scenario and strategic planning; Statistical analysis; Grant writing and administration; federal/state grant rules (CFR, GATA, etc.)
Familiarity with PROWAG a plus
Unencumbered driver's license and ready access to a reliable vehicle
Capable of analyzing complex information, producing accurate analyses, and drawing data-based conclusions
Conscious of deadlines; able to submit project deliverables in a timely and organized manner
Creative but takes direction; confident but possesses sound judgement
Comfortable working alone, in groups, at home, and with others
Ability to establish collaborative rapport with public, private, and not-for-profit stakeholders
Employee Benefits
Paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; paid holidays
Health insurance (benefit commissioning in progress)