Principal Planner

Job Title

Urban Planning and Design Professional

Job Description

Under general supervision, this position performs complex professional and responsible administrative work with major projects or programs, by coordinating and participating in the collection and analysis of physical social economic and financial data by statistical methods. Work involves providing services relating to current planning, historic district administration, zoning, subdivisions, demographics, etc. Work also involves receiving and responding to a variety of inquiries from contractors, developers, surveyors, real estate agents, and the general public. Reports to the Assistant Director of Planning.

Essential Job Functions include researching, preparing, and developing complex studies, reports, designs and plans for the Planning Commission, the department, and other various boards and commissions; drafting codes and ordinances, and reviewing plans and projects for code compliance; performing field inspections; coordinating and participating in the collection and analysis of physical, social economic and financial data by statistical methods to conduct planning assignments. Oversees and manages all aspects of complex special projects such as small area plans, ordinance updates, etc. including managing vendors, overseeing contracts, public engagement activities, and report creation. Provides information to the general public; keeps abreast of current and future issues and trends; reviews plans prepared by external agencies to ensure compliance with city codes, State regulations, design, and construction standards; meets with the general public, developers, agency and program personnel, and neighborhood groups to discuss city plans and concerns. Works with staff to process applications for Certificates of Appropriateness and other development in the City's historic districts. Assists developers and citizens in reviewing and complying with the historic district guidelines. May serve as the city's liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. Collaborates with staff and outside agencies to identify and incorporate resilience initiatives and strategies into projects, programs, and policies. Serves as a member of and attends various local, regional, and statewide committees, panels, and boards; provides input based on expertise and observations as appropriate; maintains professional relationships and contact with planning professionals to facilitate exchange of information; provides staff support to various Boards and Commissions; presents presentations during public hearings. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Performance Indicators include thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of urban planning and design, including environmental planning; considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and physical design as generally related to planning and development; considerable knowledge of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the planning process; considerable knowledge of City zoning ordinances and related land use regulations; considerable knowledge of the principles of supervision and organization; general knowledge of the city and its socio-economic characteristics; skill in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations; ability to review subdivision plans, site development plans and related drawings for compliance to applicable local regulations and ordinances; ability to plan, assign and direct the activities of a professional, technical and clerical staff; ability to explain planning theory, policy and practices to lay people individually or in groups; ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with city, municipal, state and federal officials, and the general public; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work includes maintaining high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities; exercising immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility; maintaining high quality communication and interacting within department and division, and with co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work includes maintaining effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Dependability includes assuming responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completing assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepting accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance includes attending work regularly and adhering to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Providing adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm includes maintaining an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Striving to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment includes exercising analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifying problems or situations as they occur and specifying decision objectives. Identifying or assisting in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implementing decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeking expert or experienced advice and researching problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation includes accepting supervisory instruction and direction and striving to meet the 'goals and objectives of same. Questioning such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offering suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Relationships with Others include sharing knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributing to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Developing and maintaining cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handling requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacting effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work includes planning and organizing daily work routine. Establishing priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoiding duplication of effort. Estimating expected time of completion of elements of work and establishing a personal schedule accordingly. Attending meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implementing work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintaining a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Safety and Housekeeping includes adhering to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Seeing that the standards are not violated. Maintaining a clean and orderly work.

Planning includes planning, directing and using information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knowing and understanding the expectations of the city regarding the activities or the department and working to see that these expectations are met. Designing and formulating ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulating the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives. Organizing, arranging and allocating manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.

Organizing includes organizing work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensuring that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.

Delegating includes assigning additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Having confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision Making includes using discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moving decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity includes regularly seeking new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employing imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Being not adverse to change.

Human Relations includes striving to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listening to and considering suggestions and complaints and responding appropriately. Maintaining the respect and loyalty of staff.

Policy Implementation includes having a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adhering to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensuring the same from subordinate staff.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Urban Studies, or a closely related field, and 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in Planning, Community Development, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's Degree is preferred.

Special Requirements include a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.

Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions include the ability to operate a variety of engineering machinery and tools including drafting equipment; and office machinery including computers, typewriter and copier. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Sedentary Work.

Data Conception includes the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication includes the