Job Description: POSITION SUMMARY:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region's success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults, and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region's collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is performed through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information, and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.
The Principal Planner will be responsible for leading the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District's (the District) wastewater planning and policy efforts including facilitating stakeholder groups of water resource professionals within the District, understanding current and proposed changes to regulatory requirements, providing technical support to communities in the 15-county region, participating in regional stakeholder initiatives and performing project management of multi-jurisdictional studies. This position will work with other staff as well as local government technical staff while developing programs and materials in support of regional and local educational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides policy recommendations related to wastewater management and integrated water resources management by coordinating with affected stakeholders. These include The District's Technical Coordinating Committee and Basin Advisory Council, the District Governing Board, non-governmental organizations, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division as well as internal stakeholders in ARC's Community Development and Transportation Departments; Provides planning and policy input on water resources issues affecting the metro Atlanta region such as nutrient loading, asset management, reduction of sewer spills, ridgeline transfers, biosolids, potable and non-potable reuse, integrated master planning, septic management, sustainability, and adaptation and resilience to climate change and extreme weather events; Provides support to the District's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) as the subject matter lead on wastewater management to support implementation of the District's Water Resources Management Plan. Develop workshops and other capacity building offerings either internally or with external partners. Work with TAP to further develop its menu of offerings by offering training to appropriate stakeholders; Working with watershed management staff, provide high-level assistance and an integrated approach to drive point and non-point source pollution reduction to address nutrient issues across the region and state; Supports ongoing efforts to restore the Upper Flint River using an integrated water management approach (the "Finding the Flint" project); Provides support on the District's septic planning efforts, including septage receiving annual survey and Septic System Impacts to Water Quality Studies and incorporate study outcomes into District plans and policies as needed; Conducts and/or attends trainings and educational workshops on topics related to wastewater management, this includes developing curriculum and materials as needed; Attend various meetings throughout the region, as well as periodic presentations delivered at ARC or partner agency committees and board meetings (some work-related commitments will occur outside of normal business hours); Coordinates and facilitates wastewater stakeholder groups as needed (e.g. Wastewater Technical Coordinating Committee, Lake Lanier Stakeholders); Coordinates with ARC's climate resilience planning team to support the execution of ARC's approach to climate change, resilience, and adaptation planning for the Atlanta region; and Performs other duties as assigned to support agency goals and objectives. Minimum Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in urban or regional planning, economics, architecture, landscape architecture or related field Three (3) years professional planning experience OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in environmental/civil engineering, environmental planning, natural resources management, environmental science, or related field Five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience in water resources management planning and/or engineering. Previous experience in wastewater or integrated master planning, GIS and data analysis Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES: Knowledge of wastewater rules and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels; Knowledge and understanding of wastewater infrastructure and asset management; Experience with the principles of Integrated Water Management; Ability to independently manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders; Ability to independently think through assignments comprehensively and creatively; Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and precisely through a combination of verbal, written and graphic means; Ability to present to a variety of audiences, from small groups of internal technical staff to larger groups of external public and private stakeholders; Skill in oral and written communications as well as public speaking; Excellent analytical and organizational skills; Proficient in standard office equipment, Microsoft Office, and related software applications; Possess strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and conflict resolution skills. Additional Information About ARC: The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region's success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region's collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.
ARC Strategic Framework Vision — ONE great REGION
Mission Statement The Atlanta Regional Commission fosters thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Our Goals Healthy, safe, livable communities in the Atlanta metro area. Strategic investments in people, infrastructure, mobility, and preserving natural resources. Regional services delivered with operational excellence and efficiency . Diverse stakeholders engage and take a regional approach to solve local issues. A competitive economy that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient. Our Core Values Excellence | A commitment to doing our best and going above and beyond in every facet of our work allowing for innovative practices and actions to be created while ensuring our agency's and our colleague's success.
Equity | We represent a belief that there are some things which people should have, that there are basic needs that should be fulfilled, that burdens and rewards should not be spread too divergently across the community, and that policy should be directed with impartiality, fairness and justice towards these ends.
Integrity | In our conduct, communication, and collaboration with each other and the region's residents, we will act with consistency, honesty, transparency, fairness and accountability within and across each of our responsibilities and functions.
Application Process: The Atlanta Regional Commission is looking for individuals who enjoy working in a public service environment where the mission is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Atlanta region. ARC serves as a forum where leaders come together to discuss and act on issues of regionwide consequence, so it is important that our staff share the public entrepreneurial spirit that defines ARC.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, ARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion or disability.
For questions about recruitment, or to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or testing process, please contact ARC at or Human Resources via email at .
ARC offers our full-time regular employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and more!
