Should I apply for this job?

[lamsalfl]

I've got the master's degree in planning, an internship, and I did my Master's Final Project on a proposed commuter rail system in the area. I'm fresh out of school with little experience, but I was wondering if I should pass on this. I mean, I'm sure over time I can learn how to "administer and manage" and "coordinate projects with other agencies".

They want:

Qualifications:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning or closely related field or graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience where writing, presentation and meeting facilitation, computer, and analytical skills were required. This position requires strong writing, analytical, presentation and meeting facilitation skills. Equipment and computer software skills required include Windows-based computers, Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping Printers, and Large Format Plotters.[ <-- nope]



Duties Include:
Administration and management of Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) review and tracking data base system.
Consultant contract administration and reporting responsibilities associated with transportation studies.
Conduct and coordinate presentations to the public regarding a variety of transportation improvement projects.
Assist in the development of the Comprehensive Policy Plan (Transportation Element).
Responsible for the coordination of transportation projects with other County Departments and regional agencies.
GIS Mapping.

[Plan-it]

Is it something you are interested in?

[Veloise]

Part of administering and managing involves knowing how to delegate, and when to call tech support. (I've known managers who couldn't run a copier, let alone a large format printer.)

Go for it. Perhaps they'll promote from within, and then your stuff will be conveniently on hand when they want to fill the lower-level slot. (That's how I got my first planner job.)

HTH

[hullcorey]

If you can figure out how to use any desktop printer or copy machine these days you can figure out how to use a large format plotter. Did you have another job in college or any volunteer experience that involved administration and project managment? Think about everything that you have done and work it to your advantange.

[Tide]

Always apply, even if you are just shy of the experience. Can you make up for lack of experience with an extra degree or other course work? Let their HR Department tell you that you aren't qualified, don't assume.

I'm in a similar position right now, though I'm usually fighting to get my masters degree counted as 2 years of experience to get over that 10 year experience threshold instead of 8.5 years.

[Salmissra]

Go ahead and apply, because the job description is really a wish list. There are so few applicants out there that will meet 100% of all education, experience and specific job skills as listed, so if you want the job, apply for it!

[Planit]

All they can say is no - but they may say yes and you'll never know unless you try. Seriously, as the other Plan-it said, if its something you want go for it.

[Fat Cat]

I would agree with everything that every one else has said
Go for it
If nothing else it will be good interview experience

[Dan Staley]

All these quals and duties are pretty much standard. Get used to ads listing these.

[Chet]

In this economy, APPLY. The shotgun approach works 99% of the time.

[cch]

"administer" and "manage" are vague verbs, that are on a ton of job listings. Don't be intimidated by them.

[lamsalfl]

Thanks everyone! I fill out their application. Funny, I viewed their application in pdf format and didn't see much about resumes. It was a county application though, then I guess if they like the app they'll ask for more. Anyway, y'all are right. The worst that can happen is I don't ever hear from them again. This process (looking for listings for people with no experience that don't cost them much) seems to be a lot of headaches. I hope the job is fun enough to where it's worth it.