Planner 2 - Northwestern Land Office Area Planner

State of Montana•Kalispell, MT

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Area Planner position is responsible for providing professional land use planning and real estate support for the Northwestern Land Office within the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. This position manages Area‑level planning activities, evaluates development opportunities, and assists in determining the highest and best use of state trust lands to support long‑term revenue generation for public school trust beneficiaries. Duties include developing and implementing land use plans, coordinating the application of local land‑use regulations, supporting land sale and exchange processes, and conducting planning and technical analyses related to growth policies, subdivision review, site design, surveying, zoning, floodplain management, and infrastructure planning. The position works collaboratively with Unit offices to ensure consistent application of statewide planning and real estate policies and provides technical guidance to local governments, professionals, and stakeholders involved in land use and development. The Area Planner operates with a high level of independence, exercises sound professional judgment, and collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary teams, local jurisdictions, and members of the public.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of land management and land use planning.
Knowledge of field inventory and data management including statistical evaluation.
Knowledge of research methods and research design.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal land use planning rules, laws, procedures and processes.
Knowledge of business administration, public relations, real estate marketing, and realty and access principles.
Knowledge of resource economics, contract administration and the MEPA process.
Knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, accounting and financial management.
Knowledge of administrative rule and legislative development processes.
Knowledge of policies, procedures and objectives of the Real Estate Management Bureau and the Trust Land Management Division.
Knowledge of organizational structures, program management, program development and implementation, and project management and project design.
Skill in program planning and administration.
Skill in leading and motivating others.
Skill in organizing, negotiating, mediating.
Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing with audiences of varied levels of technical understanding.
Skill in project initiation, review, and implementation.
Skill in lease administration.
Skill in project management.
Skill in public presentations.
Skill in media relations.
Skill in persuasive communications.
Skill in the use of specialized accounting and information management software (e.g. TLMS, etc.).
Skill in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and other office software.
Skill in standard office equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations both verbally and in writing.
Ability to coordinate and direct individuals and physical resources to complete work objectives.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work well with others.
Ability to maintain a positive working environment and relationships.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in land use planning (with emphasis in urban or regional planning), marketing or business administration, or closely related field.
4-5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, program management, and contract and/or lease administration.
Eligible to work in the United States.
A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Responsibilities

Manages and administers the land-use-planning program for the Northwestern Land Office.
Serves as the Area's principal land use planner.
Coordinates real estate management programs for the NWLO.
Coordinates land management planning projects and activities.
Oversees complex issues related to project development and lease administration.
Provides guidance and technical expertise in implementing land use and development plans.
Advises Area and Unit staff on Department real estate and special use programs.
Coordinates new project opportunities between unit offices.
Analyzes and incorporates complex issues and factors in decision-making.
Provides Area-level budget allocations, oversight and tracking.
Conducts specialized research.
Obtains funding sources for projects.
Leads and directs interdisciplinary teams.
Coordinates communication efforts between field staff, Bureau personnel and other agency staff.
Prioritizes projects.
Implements Bureau-level-planning program objectives and policies.
Resolves land use conflicts and responds to controversial issues.
Researches and coordinates Area training activities and programs related to land use planning and real estate management principles.
Implements land development projects.
Performs a variety of project management duties including reviewing and analyzing development proposals.
Ensures compliance with local ordinances and regulations.
Develops reports and outlines proposed land use planning strategies.
Presents and defends proposals and recommendations on complex issues.
Responds to requests for information and interpretation of policies and laws.
Implements development plans for high value industrial, commercial and residential properties to maximize the long-term value of State school trust lands.