Associate Planner Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) resiliency planning position within the agency's Regional Collaboration and Community Planning Department (RCCP). Depending on qualifications and experience, candidates may be considered for either the Principal Resiliency Planner or Resiliency Associate Planner level. The position will support open space and recreation plans, hazard mitigation plans, climate pollution reduction, energy reduction, resiliency planning, trail mapping, and related municipal and regional planning initiatives, with opportunities to contribute to comprehensive master plans, economic development plans, housing plans, and similar efforts. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with an opportunity for professional growth.
About CMRPC
CMRPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in southern Central Massachusetts. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the region. Join our team with supportive colleagues making real impacts in the communities of Central Massachusetts. CMRPC supports the complete team member as we work on meaningful, innovative, and exciting projects while respecting and supporting the individual's wellness and a balanced and fulfilling work life.
CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified people to apply. CMRPC is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran's status and/or ancestry. Reasonable accommodation will be provided where needed.
CMRPC's office includes almost 50 full-time employees located in the Worcester Central Business District in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office, LEED-certified building. Free parking is provided in the attached garage. For further detail on CMRPC, please visit www.cmrpc.org.
Typical Duties
This is a research, writing, data analysis, mapping, facilitation, and community engagement-intensive position. The selected candidate will create and/or seek out data, use visual tools, prepare maps and planning documents, support grant and resource development, conduct community engagement, coordinate meetings, and manage or support projects of varying complexity. Principal-level candidates are expected to manage more complex projects, lead planning efforts, prepare grant applications and zoning-related materials, and provide higher-level technical and strategic support. Associate-level candidates are expected to contribute to project implementation, research, analysis, mapping, outreach, and meeting coordination, with opportunities to grow into increasing responsibility.
Typical duties may include:
• Contribute to or lead the development of a wide variety of planning initiatives and regional and municipal support activities, including climate resiliency initiatives, energy efficiency initiatives, hazard mitigation planning, open space and recreation planning, trail mapping, climate pollution reduction planning, and related efforts.
• Work with municipalities to seek resources for energy saving efforts including their participation in the Green Communities Initiative.
• Contribute to community development, housing, and economic development plans including contextual data collection, research, analysis, community engagement, meeting facilitation, and goal, objective, and action strategy articulation.
• Contribute to data services and GIS services, including data collection, analysis, visualization, mapping, and technical support for planning projects.
• Seek grants, prepare grant applications as appropriate, and identify other resources for topical efforts that benefit the region and its communities.
• Work with local officials to identify community development and resiliency needs, opportunities, and short-term strategies to address them.
• Coordinate meetings by identifying appropriate facilities, supporting registration of attendees, preparing materials, and assisting with logistics.
• Development and deployment of community engagement tools such as online surveys.
• Contributing to project or organization social media platforms, websites, newsletters, and informational booklets.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Qualifications will be evaluated based on the level of appointment.
Principal-level candidates should generally have a Master's degree in community and/or urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field, with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate resiliency, energy planning, hazard mitigation, municipal planning, or related work.
Associate-level candidates should generally have a Master's degree and at least two years of relevant experience in community and/or urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resource management, or a similar field.
Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered with additional relevant work experience. The final title and salary level will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to manage work of the required complexity.
The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:
• Strong writing, graphics, GIS, and data analysis skills with the ability to tailor messages to specific audiences.
• Oversee planning projects delivered primarily by external consultants and contractors, including procurement, contract administration, and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.
• Develop, refine, and scope projects, including preparing detailed scopes of work and cost estimates to support grant applications and funding opportunities.
• A professional demeanor and a positive "can do" attitude.
• A task-oriented work ethic and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently in a resourceful and innovative manner.
• Ability to proactively set priorities and multi-task.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Understanding of multi-step processes and how to work within them in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while not being afraid to ask questions.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to effectively use programs such as Canva, Sketchup, Adobe CreativeSuite, and other visualization tools a plus.
• Professional-level Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis skills are preferred.
• Ability to create social media messages across multiple platforms to engage community members.
This is a full-time, exempt position with a standard work week of 5 days (37.5 hours per week). The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, ranging from $52,538.00 to $66,549.00 for the Associate Resiliency Planner level and from $66,549.00 to $80,000 for the Principal Resiliency Planner level. In addition to competitive compensation, CMRPC offers a great work environment, an excellent state benefits package, a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
This position is exempt under the guidelines of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. While many CMRPC staff work remotely in part, all staff must be available for in-person meetings within the region as needed, and it is expected that staff be available for in-office work as is appropriate for their work assignments.
If you can bring relevant skills and experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to serving the communities of Central Massachusetts, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references. This position is open until canceled or filled.
Central Mass Regional Planning Commission is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status