Job Description
The Centre Region Planning Agency is an Agency of the Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) serving six municipalities in the State College area of Centre County, PA. The planning area has a population of approximately 96,000 people including Penn State students and a geographic area of 150 square miles.
The CRPA is seeking talented individuals to fill two key positions in the organization. The positions require a general knowledge of comprehensive land use planning; principles of sustainability; knowledge of zoning and subdivision ordinances, land development plan review; and some transportation planning issues. Interest in being part of a small team working towards integrating land use, sustainability, transportation, and other infrastructure in the community is valued. There is an expectation that all employees are committed to the mission, vision, and values of the Centre Region Council of Governments and the Centre Regional Planning Agency.
These positions work under the general direction of a Principal Land Use Planner and include:
- Assist with the preparation of major regional and local planning projects.
- A combination of skills in research, analysis, development, presentation, or interpretation of concepts and data pertaining to planning and implementation of plans such as the Regional Comprehensive Plan, Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, and the Long-Range Transportation Plan.
- The ability to carry out research, write reports, or develop draft policies independently and make recommendations to assess and prioritize next steps.
- The ability to present in public to governing bodies, commissions, residents, and other groups.
- The ability to work constructively with external engineers, transportation planners, and other external groups to prepare and implement projects.
- The ability to work collaboratively with municipal engineers and zoning officers to review land development plans for conformance to the zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, and other local ordinances and policies.
- Experience working in a complex organizational environment and the ability to build consensus with elected officials, appointed officials, residents, authorities, and other stakeholders in the Centre Region.
Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, engineering, architecture, public administration, or related field.
The positions include regional level projects and responsibility for providing local planning services to either Halfmoon Township, or Patton Township, two of six municipalities in the Centre Region Council of Governments.
The positions are open until filled. The first review of applications will occur on July 29, 2022.
Experience: Two years, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Starting Salary (DOQ): $65,225 to $76,639 DOQ , without certification
$68,959 to $81,025 DOQ, with certification
Salary ranges currently under review
AICP Certification: Preferred, not required
To be considered for the position, applications must include the following; cover letter including salary requirements, and resume.
For benefits and other information, including other positions that are open, please visit: https://www.crcog.net/employment
The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary association, established in 1969, of the State College Borough and the Townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton. The COG’s service area is approximately 150 square miles with a population of 97,000 residents including 45,000 Penn State University students.
Area residents are joined economically, socially, and geographically as one community. The COG’s overriding goal is to provide public services in an economical way that improves the quality of life and protects the safety of Centre Region residents. It is the oldest and most successful COG in the Commonwealth, having celebrated 50 years of service in 2019. Many of the COG’s programs are models for other Pennsylvania communities and are regarded as best practices by the Commonwealth.
The Centre Region COG provides Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Code Administration, Parks and Recreation, Library, Planning and Refuse and Recycling services for the region.