Senior Planner/Demographer - OKI Regional Council of Governments

The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) serves an eight county region in three states. The agency is the area's Metropolitan Planning Organization, and fosters collaboration between governments, civic organizations, and the business community on diverse regional transportation, land use, environmental, and economic development challenges. OKI seeks a self-motivated professional responsible for demographic research and forecasting.

Knowledge of: Principles of demographics, land use, statistics and US Bureau of Census programs, including CTPP and ACS data.

Skills: Strong database, spreadsheet, and ARCGIS skills.

Qualifications: MS/MA (or equivalent experience) demography, urban/regional/environmental planning, or related field. Three years experience in planning related field involving demographic estimates and projections. Starting salary range is commensurate with experience; beginning range is $50 - $55k.

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Nicole Hartman, HR Manager [email protected] by April 11, 2017 EOE. M/F

JOB SUMMARY
Highly responsible demographic work. Incumbent is responsible for a comprehensive population and employment research and forecasting program which, for demographic purposes, will be the official basis for OKI's long-range planning and other applications. Responsible for the development and operation of an information system, which will produce population and employment estimates and projections for the region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develop and manage demographic research and projection software and databases. Establish and enforce system operation standards and procedures. Develop standard data format and data management procedures. Provide software technical and operational support to system end-users. Analyze information processing needs and recommend software upgrades. Coordinate project and work schedules with OKI requirements and priorities. Perform other work as assigned.

• Routinely gathers and develops demographic data within the region
  
• Designs and tests methods of research and data collection
  
• Uses population projections from the state data centers for the region and periodically prepares transportation analysis zone data
  
• Reviews, analyzes, and comments on population estimates and projections made by state agencies
  
• Compiles a periodic study of population estimates on the basis of local, regional or other political or geographic divisions
  
• Provides guidance and direction to OKI staff applying demographic research and projections
  
• Maintains complex administrative records
  
• Analyzes, interprets, drafts, and/or edits technical reports, maps, correspondence, staff recommendations, and meeting agenda material
  
• Confers with citizens, public officials and business interests concerning application of population research and projections
  
• Performs special studies as requested

JOB REQUIREMENTS (KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS)
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and current trends in demographics, land development, and planning
  
• Statistics and other research techniques
  
• Strong computer database and ARCGIS skills
  
• Federal Bureau of the Census activities and programs, including CTPP and ACS data
  
• State data centers' activities and programs; and
  
• Laws governing population estimates and projections.

Ability to:

• Automate development and forecasting of travel model demographic data
  
• Develop and conduct procedures, tests and tools to validate program design
  
• Analyze and interpret problems and complex data and make sound recommendations
  
• Review work of OKI staff members and project consultants
  
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, and make effective public presentations
  
• Analyze and edit written reports, technical manuals, memoranda and other documents
  
• Interact effectively with OKI employees, government officials, private organizations, and the general public through active listening, gathering information, informing, and persuading
  
• Effectively represent OKI on policy, procedure and technical matters to local, regional, state and federal officials and general public
  
• Demonstrate sensitivity to fiscal, political and social constraints regarding planning issues, projects and programs

EDUCATION
Master's Degree (or equivalency in experience) in Planning, Demography, Social Science or related field with major course work in demographics.

EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years experience in a planning-related field involving applied demographic estimates and projections. A comparable amount of education, training or experience, which prepares one to perform job duties, may be substituted for portions of these minimum requirements.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS
Ability to handle, sort and read large quantities of documents daily. Ability to hear and to speak, including making speeches. Ability to occasionally lift 30 pounds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Valid driving license, or ability to obtain one within one month of employment. Good driving record.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION REQUIREMENTS
Work inside the office in a sedentary posture. Periodic meetings with office staff. Periodic attendance at meetings outside the OKI offices.