EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

COGs offer a variety of exciting and impactful positions that allow team members to do hands on planning work, to make a significant impact in communities and opportunities to attend and work with important city and county officials.


Employment opportunities are posted for 60 days at no cost to ICOG members. For non-members, a posting fee of $50 applies.

Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA)

Posted date: 04.14.2026


Community & Economic Development Planner I / Planner II


Salary

Planner I: $50,418 - $72,826 Annually / Planner II: $61,622 - $84,029 Annually (DOQ)


Duties

The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) seeks resumes from qualified planning and community development professionals to provide community and economic development, housing, and planning assistance for MAPA area communities. Specific areas of work include:  grant writing and project administration; preparation of comprehensive and strategic plans; drafting land use regulations; and implementing other community and economic development activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Community and Economic Development Manager. MAPA is committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. 


A successful candidate will be technically competent, highly organized and have strong verbal and written communication skills. The candidate must be self-motivated, able to work and develop skills independently, and possess strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with multiple organizations. 


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide community development, economic development, housing, and planning assistance for communities in the MAPA region.
  • Assist in the preparation and administration of Federal and State community development, housing, and transportation assistance programs.
  • Employ methods of data collection, data analysis, and preparation of reports on planning and community development projects.
  • Use knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of community planning and land use regulations.
  • Work with local elected officials, state/federal officials and the public. 
  • Conduct field evaluations and assessments.
  • Provide staff support on various special projects, committees, groups and boards.



Applications

Click here to review the full job description and requirements and apply online: https://mapa.bamboohr.com/careers/25?source=aWQ9MzE%3D


MAPA is the Council of Governments serving a six-county region (Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties in Nebraska and Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in Iowa). MAPA performs work related to planning, community development, and transportation and other issues of regional significance. As a planner at MAPA, this position will have the opportunity to help shape the future by working on core issues that impact the vibrancy of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and its surrounding communities.


MAPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. For more information on MAPA see our website www.mapacog.org.


Region XII Council of Governments (Region XII)

Posted date: 03.10.2026


Regional Planner


Salary

TBD


Duties

Region XII Council of Governments is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Regional Planner. This position will be part of a dynamic team and will have the opportunity to work with 56 local communities in Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac Counties and 5 associate member cities in Dallas County on a variety of projects. Work may include grant writing and administration, technical assistance to cities and counties in various economic and community development areas, GIS, comprehensive planning, infrastructure planning, and development. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a bachelor’s degree in community & regional planning, geography, journalism, public administration, economics, business, finance, or a related field. The individual must possess good computer, communication, and writing skills. Entry-level applicants and May 2026 graduates are encouraged to apply. This position will work from Region XII COG offices in Carroll, IA.

 

The position is covered under the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) and offers an excellent benefit package including vacation and sick leave; health, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability insurance; life insurance; flexible spending account; and paid holidays. Salary will be dependent upon qualifications. 


Resumes

Interested persons must download and complete a Region XII COG Employment Application by visiting (http://www.region12cog.org/career-opportunities/). Please send this application, unofficial transcripts, and a resume to: Chris Whitaker, Region XII COG, 1009 E Anthony Street, PO Box 768, Carroll IA 51401 or to cwhitaker@region12cog.org where you may also address any questions you have. This position is open until filled, with an initial review of applications no later than noon Friday, March 20, 2026.


Region XII COG is an equal opportunity employer. 


Region XII Council of Governments (Region XII)

Posted date: 02.16.2026


Internship


Salary

$20 an hour


Duties

Region XII Council of Governments, a six-county regional planning agency in Western Iowa, is seeking qualified applicants for a summer internship. Scheduling for the position is flexible, with up to 40 hours per week, depending on the successful applicant's availability. Desired applicants are those who are seeking an education in community and regional planning, political science, public administration, business, or other public service-related fields. Duties will include assisting planning and housing staff in the research & preparation of various planning documents, development of grant applications, and assistance with community development projects. Computer experience is important, including knowledge of MS Office. Knowledge of ArcGIS software is helpful but not required. 


The internship is anticipated to last through the summer.


Resumes

Interested persons must download and complete a Region XII COG Employment Application by visiting (http://www.region12cog.org/career-opportunities/). Please send application, unofficial transcripts, and resume to: Chris Whitaker, Region XII COG, 1009 E Anthony Street, PO Box 768, Carroll IA 51401 or to cwhitaker@region12cog.org. This position is open until filled with an initial review of applications no later than noon on Friday, March 13, 2026.


Region XII COG is an equal opportunity employer.