HELP WANTED

Community Development Specialist - Planner

SWIPCO seeks someone passionate about improving the lives of rural Iowans to join our team as a Community Development Specialist - Planner. The ideal candidate must be caring and want to build the future of our region and be an active participant in change. All of the work is done in rural, small town settings and SWIPCO planners are expected to seek out and enjoy connecting with the community. At SWIPCO, planners are doers, and although traditional planning is at the core of the position, there are also many project management opportunities open to this position. From day one the incumbent will be immersed in multiple disciplines from disaster recovery, housing, recreation, to foundational services such as water, sewer, and broadband. This is a permanent, full-time career track position with excellent potential for growth.

SWIPCO is expanding to better serve our core clients, the cities and counties of the SWIPCO region. A background in planning is preferred but other disciplines will be considered, including but not limited to public administration, social work, environmental studies, political science, geography, and business administration. Most important to the position are the abilities to think and act quickly, prioritize work, research thoroughly, write effectively, and present information clearly. Types of work include but are not limited to: grant applications and management for infrastructure and housing projects, hazard mitigation planning, city zoning, comprehensive and strategic planning, and regional transportation planning.

Knowledge of federal funding programs such as FEMA and CDBG is ideal but training will be offered to the right person. The work station is at our Atlantic, Iowa offices and the position involves significant travel throughout the 8 county region. This is an entry level planner position, but experienced applicants would be strongly considered as well, and could be brought into the agency at a higher level. Salary range is $50,000 to $75,000 DOQ with an excellent benefits package including IPERS. If you have questions about the position please contact Executive Director John McCurdy at john.mccurdy@swipco.org.

To apply submit a cover letter, application, resume, and three references to daurine.petersen@swipco.org. Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

ABOUT SWIPCO: The Southwest Iowa Planning Council was formed in 1975. Our goal is to promote regional cooperation as well as to serve the counties and cities within our region with community and economic development activities to improve the quality of life for all of southwest Iowa. Southwest Iowa Planning Council's mission is to serve as the regional catalyst fostering sustainable community and economic improvements.

About our Planning Department: Our planning team currently consists of a lead planner, two grants specialists, and a community development specialist who provide multiple types of planning assistance and services for member cities and counties.

Administrative Assistant - TEMP

Southwest Iowa Planning Council and Southwest Iowa Transit Agency seek a temporary administrative assistant for the Atlantic office. The anticipated start date is July 1^st and will run through August 21^st, with week extensions possible. The position will be M-F with a minimum of 24 hours/week, up to 36 hours/week. This position acts as a primary point of contact between the agencies and the public, both in person and over the phone. The position is also responsible for normal office activities such as filing, copies, mail and dispatching of calls. The successful candidate must be organized, outgoing, able to multi-task, and have good computer and telephone skills. At least 2 years experience in a professional office setting are encouraged. Wage is $18.50/hr and we are an IPERS employer.  Application materials are available at www.swipco.org or by calling 712-243-4196.  Along with the application, applicants should also submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. Email all documents to daurine.petersen@swipco.org. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Drivers

Region Wide Drivers:

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is seeking a part-time drivers in the region for a number of shifts. Applicant must possess or be willing to acquire a commercial driver’s license class C with passenger endorsement (SWITA will assist with ELDT and  drive test), and enjoy working with the public. Starting wage is $16.25 per hour plus IPERS and PTO. Applicant must be able to obtain a CDL Medical Exam and pass a DOT pre-employment drug screen.

For questions contact Daurine Petersen at 800-842-8065. Please apply online or send the application below to SWITA, Attn: Daurine, 1501 SW 7th St., Atlantic, Iowa, 50022 or email to daurine.petersen@swipco.org.

SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.  

SWIPCO Protest of Contract Award

None Available at this time.