Classification: Full-time

Department: Lake of the Woods

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL) with travel to other Forest Preserve sites.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

IMRF Pension: Eligible

Compensation: Grade 6 $21.35 - $30.92

Hours: Typical work hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Forest Preserves Planning Director, the Planner is a professional position responsible for providing daily technical support to the Planning Department.

Supervisory Relationships

The Planner reports directly to the Forest Preserves Planning Director. The Planner may be responsible for the direct and/or direct oversight of consultants, interns, seasonal employees, contractors, volunteers, or other stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Creation of graphic maps, plans, and diagrams.
• Content development for Forest Preserves planning documents such as comprehensive plans and master plans.
• Manage inventories for Forest Preserves, facilities, vehicles, large equipment, and computer equipment.
• Assist with capital grant applications, such as IDNR and IDOT grants.
• Develop, solicit and provide quality assurance and control for proposals and bids. Review plans for code and regulation conformance.
• Manage large capital projects under the direction of the Planning Director. Assist with permit application materials. Develop project specifications and drawings.
• Assist with public meeting material preparation. Participate in and/or assist in leading public meetings as directed.
• Collect, import, and manage geographic data at Forest Preserve sites. Update and maintain utility mapping using GIS.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for the Board of Commissioners, Forest Preserve Leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Lead Forest Preserve efforts on wayfinding, trail applications, and directional signage for compliance and public accessibility.

Secondary Duties

• Implementing GIS smartphone technology such as the ArcGIS Collector application.
• Assist with site design using drafting technology and/or hand rendering skills.
• Coordinate with other departments to obtain information or answer inquiries.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in applied geography, GIS, environmental science, landscape architecture, urban planning, or closely related field and 2-4 years of progressively responsible professional experience. The Forest Preserve will also consider candidates who hold a high school, trade, or associate’s degree combined with multiple years of relevant life or work experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector Certification or ability to complete certification within one year.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience with ArcGIS; Working knowledge of Microsoft Office is preferred; Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud is preferred; Working knowledge of AutoCAD or equivalent design tools.
• Ability to read maps and plans.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills and the ability to function in a multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people including fellow staff members, vendors, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to relate to and effectively communicate with people of various backgrounds, such as different ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions or faith, political affiliations, disabilities, or socioeconomic status.
• Good safety awareness and ability to exercise sound judgment and professionalism.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to learn, a working knowledge of the Forest Preserve’s rules and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some work may be performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or wind. ?Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have interactions with patrons. ?While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, etc.).

Some work will also be performed indoors in a shared office suite with moderate interruptions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly use a computer, a handheld GPS device, and other standard office equipment.

Normal duties may include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 25 to shoulder height or above.

Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items: Work boots, protective gloves, safety goggles or glasses, earplugs or ear covers, reflective vest or hi vis, respirator or mask.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.