Planner

Responsibilities

IBTS is currently seeking a motivated Planner to join our dynamic team at our Puerto Rico Region Office in San Juan, PR. The primary responsibility of this role is to develop a comprehensive Community Resiliency Plan (CRP), which entails creating community participation mechanisms, gathering and evaluating data on existing community conditions, conducting analyses of impacts, stressors, and community assets, identifying tailored resilience actions, developing implementation and evaluation tools for the CRP, engaging with community stakeholders to discuss and refine drafts of the plan, and presenting the finalized CRP to the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PR-DOH) for approval. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of communities in Puerto Rico. Join us in making a positive impact and fostering resilience in the region.

 Key Responsibilities: 

• Perform advanced professional work encompassing various planning assignments.
• Manage intricate planning studies and development applications while reviewing project proposals.
• Develop a comprehensive Community Resilience Plan (CRP) with a focus on six core areas: Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, Housing, and Infrastructure.
• Conduct analyses and presentations of impacts, stressors, susceptibility, and sensitivity of community assets.
• Devise resilience actions and develop tools for implementing and evaluating the CRP.
• Collaborate effectively with project collaborators, including project managers, junior planners or designers, engineers, architects, mapping specialists, administrative staff, and graphic designers.
• Deliver public presentations and facilitate community meetings.
• Understand the proper application of diverse planning-related technologies.
• Assist in drafting various ordinances and regulations pertaining to development controls.
• Attend numerous evening and weekend meetings.
• Perform fieldwork in communities and support field staff in all weather conditions.
• Flexibility for travel within Puerto Rico, including Vieques.
• Readiness to spend nights in different municipalities, including Vieques, and occasional weekend work are also essential aspects of this position.

 Requirements:

• Master’s degree in planning.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant planning experience.

Personal Qualities:IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive,professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together andachieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what youachieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal regulations and compliance pertaining to FEMA Funds and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Funds is highly desired.
• Previous experience working with HUD, FEMA, or other CDBG grants is advantageous.
• Proficiency in the principles, objectives, and techniques of planning, community development, geography, historic preservation, and land use regulations is preferred.
• Basic understanding of ordinances, codes, regulations, and guidelines related to the field.
• Competency in techniques required for the preparation of maps, charts, sketches, and graphics.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques to communicate findings and recommendations clearly.
• Understanding of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection, including cost-benefit analysis and standard statistical procedures.
• Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), computer hardware and software programs, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, and database management.
• Preferred proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS Software).
• Working knowledge of Deltek CostPoint and SharePoint platforms is highly desired.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and negotiation skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining high productivity and accuracy levels.

Physical Demands

The following physical demands and work environment outline the requirements for successful performance of the essential job functions:

• Regular standing and walking are necessary for on-site visits to conduct planning activities.
• The position entails working outdoors, exposing the employee to high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry and humid atmosphere.
• Capability to lift equipment weighing 20 pounds or more is essential for the role.

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!