Urban Design Planner (Long-Term Temporary)

The Metropolitan Council has one Long-Term Temporary (up to two years) Planner vacancy.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional growth strategy, planning and technical assistance to local communities, parks and open space, Livable Communities grants to local governments, and the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA).

The Research work unit within the Regional Planning Department manages large regional policy initiatives undertaken by the Council and collects and disseminates data and analysis about the demographics and development patterns of the metropolitan area.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Urban Design Planner will join a collaborative team of planners and researchers from various planning, research, and policy areas to create and implement frameworks for people-centered design and placemaking in urban, suburban, and rural locations.

Coordinate with policy and program staff to incorporate design and placemaking principles into Council policies and investments:

• Convene and facilitate a cross-department working group to develop and implement vocabulary and best practices on placemaking and urban design
• Facilitate the creation of guidelines for implementing regional development goals through design and placemaking
• Incorporate design and placemaking principles within the requirements of Council policy, procedures, and authorities
• Collaborate with staff on engagement efforts related to urban design and placemaking, including logistics and content delivery
• Implement best practices in design and placemaking through written and spoken communication
• Implement Imagine 2050 goals through design and placemaking practices

• Develop and conduct site-based research to inform high quality placemaking and design
• Identify and apply national and international best practices in design research, program investments, and placemaking
• Conduct interviews and focus groups to understand needs in accomplishing placemaking

• Support data collection in workshops, interviews, focus groups, and observational research
• Participate in research design, including literature reviews and project review
• Support data management and analysis, including project planning, logistics, data storage organization, and data coding
• Prepare high-quality written and visual materials and collaborate with presentation of results

Any of the following combinations of education (in city, urban, or environmental planning, human geography, architecture, urban design, or related field) and planning experience:

• High school diploma or GED and 7 years of experience
• Associate's degree and 5 years of experience
• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience
• Master's degree and 1 year of experience

• Experience in successfully leading/managing projects, coordinating the work of the project team, and completing deliverables within allotted timeframes
• Racial and social equity experience and/or training and a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives meaningfully into the work
• Demonstrated experience advancing equity and/or environmental justice within your work, and experience integrating equity principles into work products or processes
• Knowledge of urban design tools, techniques, and principles in creating high-quality placemaking outcomes
• Excellent written and speaking communication skills
• Research skills related to placemaking, such as site analysis, interviews, reviewing statistical and survey data and participant action research
• Ability to read, synthesize, and convey academic research, government reports, and other specialized information sources
• Ability to identify and present multiple future outcomes to inform decision-making
• Ability to listen to and treat with respect multiple stakeholders while incorporating multiple perspectives into work outputs
• Advanced skills in MS Word and Excel, ability to perform technical analysis using spreadsheet, R or database programs
• Ability to use visual communication practices to convey information through tools such as Adobe CS, Sketchup, Revit, Urban Footprint, or open-source tools

• Research skills to analyze existing built environment
• Ability to project outcomes from investments and placemaking design while aligning current activities with future desired outcomes
• Basic knowledge of the governmental environment in which the Metropolitan Council works
• Knowledge of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and the regional planning role the Metropolitan Council plays in relationship to local governments
• Clear understanding of the historical context of the Council and the people it serves and how the Council can work to acknowledge, repair, and reduce regional disparities
• Extensive knowledge of Council policies, practices, and operational procedures
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and consistently and effectively apply the policy guidelines of the Council
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply Council policy effectively in the policy analysis or development process

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME Grade G
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Position is required to work at outdoor events in various weather conditions. Travel between primary worksite and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background checks if the job you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.