Planner II

Planner II

Participates in the operations of the Community Development department and performs tasks related to a variety of planning and zoning activities; serves as an assistant team lead on various projects; assists in the mentoring of the planner 1 and planning technicians positions. A Planner II is a mid-level position, it does not require the same level of responsibility, technical knowledge, or professional judgment in the practical application of planning tasks as the Planner III level. Work is performed under the direction of the Planner IV, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and occasional trips to various construction or development sites throughout the city in inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Assists in administering and enforcing the Caldwell Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances and coordinating these ordinances and their regulations with other agency rules.
• Interprets the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and provides necessary updates.
• Assists in writing a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to land use and development controls, to include the development, updating, and maintenance of zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, special area plans, comprehensive plans, design review guidelines, and master plans.
• Interacts with and provides recommendations to the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission regarding current planning issues.
• Reviews development proposals; assists applicants with pre-application and pre-development processes; advises applicants regarding early-stage due diligence issues related to planning, development, and land development codes; evaluates proposals and facilitates the resolution of conflicts between plan implementation, zoning requirements, and subdivision requirements.
• Reviews and processes a variety of land use and site plan applications for conformity with established plans and ordinances, including floodplain designation, and composes appropriate correspondence.
• Reviews commercial building permit applications to determine compliance with the zoning and subdivision ordinances.
• Conducts research and collects and analyzes data to produce complete, accurate, and logical staff reports, findings, development agreements, maps, documentation, and presentations on current and long-range planning projects (including comprehensive plan amendments, zoning ordinance amendments, master plans, downtown studies, annexation studies, etc.) and development applications (including special use permits, variances, subdivisions, planned unit developments, annexation and zoning requests, and other planning projects).
• Performs inspections to gather data to ensure compliance with landscaping, parking, design review, signage, dimensional standards, and other required planning and zoning improvements.
• Reads, interprets, and reviews architectural and civil site designs, topographic plans, landscape plans, plats, survey records, and architectural plans; advises applicants on needed changes and adjustments to these documents.
• Responds to inquiries from City employees, appointed/elected officials, governmental entities, and the general public in a courteous and timely manner.
• Assists developers, consultants, design professionals, landowners, agents, and the general public through the City's land use entitlement and development process.
• Serves as a technical advisor and mentor for planning technician and planner I staff; assists planning staff as needed.
• Serves as a liaison on assigned committees and boards.
• Attends public hearings and workshops as assigned.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments.
• Keeps supervisor and designated others informed concerning work progress and project status, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Communicates and coordinates with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities to maintain a positive work environment as a team member.
• Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with employees, supervisors and others.
• Acts as a lead contact to plans examiners, inspectors, contractors, and the general public.
• Accepts and performs changes in work assignments and how work is performed in a timely and effective manner.
• Exhibits a strong commitment to being a leader and providing exceptional customer service, problem solving, and interactive team participation.
• May assume the duties and responsibilities of the Planner III during their absence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Minimum of five years' experience in planning, community development, economic development, or a closely related field; or
• Minimum of four years' experience in planning, community development, economic development, or a closely related field and AICP certification; or
• Bachelor's degree in planning, landscape architecture, community development, architecture, or a closely related field plus three years' experience (two with AICP certification) in planning profession or a closely related field; or
• Master's degree in planning, landscape architecture, community development, architecture, or a closely related field with one year experience in the planning profession or a closely related field; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid driver's license.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Ability to work varied work hours and days, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Certifications:

• AICP certification is desired but not required.

Benefits

The City of Caldwell offers a complete benefits package to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees including health care, dental, vision, PERSI retirement, 401k with City match, deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The City is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.