Now Hiring: Principal Planner

Join our team! We are seeking a full-time Principal Planner who is passionate about helping communities within rural New York thrive.  

Are you a strategic thinker who loves turning complex challenges into real-world results? Do you thrive leading high-impact projects that shape communities for generations? If so, we’re looking for our next Principal Planner.

This is more than a planning role — it’s a leadership opportunity to guide transformative projects across municipal, County, and regional levels. You’ll manage major initiatives, influence policy, secure funding, and collaborate with community leaders to help build vibrant, sustainable places.

The LCLGRPB is widely engaged within its five-county region, leading a myriad of planning activities including;

·      Municipal Comprehensive Plans

·      Main Street Reinvestment Plans

·      Recreational Asset and Waterfront Revitalization Plans

·      Workforce Housing Zoning Analysis and Updates

·      Transportation Infrastructure Initiatives

·      Watershed Management Plans

As Principal Planner, you’ll take the lead on local and regional planning programs and complex studies, including comprehensive plans, advisory reviews, and special planning initiatives. You’ll:

·       Lead and manage major planning projects from concept through implementation

·       Supervise and mentor planning staff

·       Develop innovative policies, programs, and long-range plans

·       Coordinate with State and Federal agencies, municipalities, community organizations, and business leaders

·       Secure and manage grant funding, including through state and federal grant databases

·       Present recommendations to boards, commissions, elected officials, and the public

·       Review planning, zoning, and subdivision proposals

·       Translate complex data into compelling reports, presentations, and actionable strategies

·       Conduct public outreach, workshops, and educational programs

In short — you’ll help guide smart growth, thoughtful development, and forward-thinking community solutions while leading a dedicated planning team.

The position requires extensive contact with the public, both in person and digitally. It requires a significant understanding of planning principles as well as the ability to independently follow through on efforts with little oversight.

Candidates must have the ability to:

·       Think strategically and see the big picture

·       Communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently

·       Proficiently write reports and technical planning documents

·       Successfully lead the LCLGRPB’s planning team and coordinating diverse stakeholders

·       Stays organized and effective under tight deadlines

·       Uses creativity and analytical skills to solve challenging planning issues

·       Bring initiative, reliability, resourcefulness, and professional judgment to every project

·       Move between technical analysis, public engagement, project management and leadership — often all in the same day

·      Adapt to the changing climate of community needs within the region and within the LCLGRPB organization.

Specific skills necessary to thrive in this position include:

·      Initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to follow-through on multiple competing deliverables

·      Ability to inspire, motivate, and manage staff

·      Ability to adhere to deadlines

·      Organized

·      Strong writing skills

·      Ability to communicate effectively with an array of audiences

·      Personal discretion and sound judgement

·      Ability to work in a small office environment and contribute to positive team building

Location

The LCLGRPB office is in the Village of Lake George, NY in the beautiful Adirondack Park. This is a full-time, in-office position. A hybrid option will be considered after an initial probationary period.

Salary

$85,000 - $93,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Start Date

Anticipated start date is April 15, 2026.

Benefits

New York State Retirement; Medical/Dental/Vision insurance; optional Life, Accident and Critical Illness insurance; optional flex spending and dependent care saving accounts; paid time off.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in planning, architecture, geography, landscape architecture, or a closely related field and three(3) years of full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) in municipal, community, or regional planning.

Or

Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, geography, landscape architecture, or a closely related field and four(4) years of full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) in municipal, community, or regional planning.

‍Applicants should emphasize their successful supervisory experience.

This position will be filled based upon Civil Service requirements. A provisional appointment will be made with an examination to be held at a later date. Candidate must meet Civil Service requirements for appointment following establishment of the Eligible List.

This position will remain open until it is filled.

Interested Candidates may send resume via email with the subject line “Principal Planner Resume” to info@lclgrpb.org.

LCLGRPB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer