Planner

Planning Manager Assistant

Our Core Values We LOVE DeSoto L- We lift up our community O- We take ownership of our collective performance V- We value and respect all employees E- We empower employees to grow The purpose of the position is to assist the Planning Manager in administering the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, coordinating the development review process, preparing plans and studies, as well as providing information and assistance to developers, builders and the general public.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviewing Plats and Site Plans for conformance with the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance, to include writing comments and then reviewing resubmittals to verify that comments have been addressed by the applicant.
• Writing staff reports for zoning requests and plat applications and presenting cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Meet with developers, builders and the general public to answers questions pertaining to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, as well as the development process.
• Preparing plans and studies, as well as amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Review Certificates of Occupancy to assure all requirements of the Zoning Ordinance are being met. This entails making contact with the applicant for additional information when needed.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or other related field;
• Five (5) years of related work experience;
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred;
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
• Valid Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the development process; principles of planning specific to work assignments and research methods applicable to assignments.
• Legal terminology pertinent to planning and zoning related matters.
• Basic mathematical principles such as fractions, percentages, ratios. Also, basic geometry.
• Federal and state regulations pertaining to work assignments.
• Ability to be self-motivated; complete multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with an eye for detail.
• Complete major studies and reports in a timely manner with minimal edits required.
• GIS knowledge and experience using ArcInfo and Arcview.
• Use of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint).
• Reviewing plats and site plans for conformance with Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.
• Ability to effectively work with developers, builders, the general public, and other staff members.

Benefits

Employee Benefit Information Health Insurance- BCBS Dental Insurance- BCBS Vision Insurance - EyeMed Insight Flexible Spending - Payflex Employees can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for yearly out of pocket medical expenses. Subject to IRS annual limits and restrictions. Life Insurance- Dearborn National The City provides each employee with a life insurance policy of 3 times their annual salary up to a maximum of $150,000. Voluntary Term Life Option- Dearborn National This is additional low cost life insurance available to employees and their dependents. Employee Assistance Program- Deer Oaks Assists in recommending counselors for any city employee experiencing personal problems. Education Pay Employees can receive a monthly additional pay for Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PHD degrees. Social Security Employee participates at 7.65% contribution with matching city funds. Texas Municipal Retirement System Employees participate in a statewide retirement program at 7% contribution with a city match of 2:1. Five years vesting, 20 years retirement at any age. Vacation Non-civil service employees accrue 6.67 hours per month (2 weeks per year). All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year). Sick Leave Non-civil service employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All police employees accrue 10 hours per month (3 weeks per year). All Fire employees accrue 15 hours per month (7.5 - 24 hour shifts a year). Holidays Non-civil service employees receive 13 paid holidays per year including one personal or "floating" day. Longevity Pay Earned at a rate of $4 per month. This is calculated on number of years of service up to and including 25 years (maximum $1200). Worker's Compensation Worker's compensation coverage is provided for all employees. Fire/Police Eligible for Education/Certification pay. Deferred Compensation Plans- Mass Mutual/Empower Payroll deduction for employee participation. City does not contribute.