Planner

Planner Position

Under general supervision of the Development Services Director, this Planner position (depending on qualifications) is responsible for performing work in the field of municipal planning, supporting the City's planning functions including zoning, comprehensive planning, and subdivision. Provides information and assistance to City staff, developers and the general public of these items and development related matters. Additionally, depending on qualifications, this position may perform advanced technical planning, research, analysis, and public conveyance of planning, zoning, general plan and land use development issues. Responsible for coordinating and processing planning and zoning cases from application to final approval. Participates in development review meetings and prepares for and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council and Board of Adjustments. This position may provide direction to and monitor the work of lower level staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Urban/Regional Planning, Urban Design, architecture, public policy, or related field.
• At least, one (1) year of increasingly responsible related planning experience. Preferred experience with a municipal government.
• Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.
• Candidates whose qualifications and demonstrated experience exceed the minimum requirements may be considered for appointment at a higher position level, commensurate with their qualifications and the needs of the City.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interprets subdivision and zoning regulations.
• Communicates amicably with the public and provides general knowledge of city ordinances and information regarding planning and zoning.
• Reviews various plans and plats for compliance with ordinances and other regulations.
• Reviews, evaluates and negotiates rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals.
• Reviews applications and submittals and creates reports regarding such for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Impact Fee Advisory Board, and Heritage Preservation Board.
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
• Assists in preparing public notices and agendas for meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Impact Fee Advisory Board, and Heritage Preservation Board.
• Attends meetings of various boards and commissions in the evening.
• Develops and maintains constructive relationships with City officials, other departments, community agencies and groups, and the general public regarding the Development Services Department.
• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments to investigate violations of planning regulations and ordinances.
• Prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, and documents, as assigned.
• Work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records
• Follows safe working practices and has a working knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS

• Attends City Council meetings and workshops and provides information, when needed.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and researches, reviews and recommends revision to the subdivision and zoning ordinances accordingly.
• Processes planning and zoning cases by reviewing development proposals: Ensures submissions are complete, reviews with other departments, prepares technical comments and complies zoning history information, ensure corrections are made upon resubmission by the applicant, and provides Development Services final opinions on planning and zoning matters.
• Responds to citizen and stakeholder inquiries and concerns. Gathers and analyzes data to respond to complaints from citizens and makes recommendations for solutions based on research findings.
• Supervises the work of lower-level staff, provides direction on daily assignment.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of land use planning, development, subdivision regulations, zoning and other aspects of development.
• Knowledge of city planning principles and practices.
• Skilled in providing customer service.
• Skilled in maintaining records and files.
• Skilled with basic computer use and standard office equipment with working knowledge of Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Office Outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to apply independent judgement.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, ordinances, statutes, and rules.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and build good working relationships with City staff.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously and with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough knowledge of principles, concepts, and theories of urban planning.
• Thorough knowledge of both short and long-range municipal planning.
• Knowledge of data collection, methodology, demographics, and statistics.
• Knowledge of GIS systems capable of generating computer graphics from statistical data.
• Knowledge of basic laws, ordinances and regulations underlying municipalities.
• Basic knowledge of historic preservation
• Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with political units such as the City Council and other boards and commissions, county officials, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual meetings
• Ability to perform a general range of lead responsibilities over others.
• Ability to supervisor the work of others.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Majority of work is performed in an office setting.
• May be required to attend meetings in the evenings or weekends.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing and vision to monitor.
• May be subject to occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting such as retrieving or replacing files, documents, and records.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds; climb stairs, sit for extended periods of time at computer or desk.