Planner

Job Summary

The Planner operates under the overall guidance of the Community Development Director. This role entails overseeing, planning, subdivision review, recreational vehicle (RV) and manufactured home park licensing, as well as other vital planning responsibilities. The Planner offers expert planning direction and advice to the public concerning subdivision plans and various development undertakings presented to the County Commission when necessary. Additionally, the Planner aids different departments by providing requested land use data. The position also encompasses a range of administrative duties as required.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in land use planning, public administration, or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience in the areas of planning or zoning, plat, permit, and site review, and development of plans, policies, and ordinances; or a combination of education and work experience totaling six (6) or more years sufficient to perform the duties of the position. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), preferred. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), preferred. Valid State of New Mexico Driver's license or able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office environment; may be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and vision to monitor extended periods of intense concentration in the review of documents and reports. Some work is performed in an outside environment and may be exposed to inclement weather. Noise level is usually moderate. Work schedule for this position may include working on religious holidays. Utilize, process, and navigate the County's electronic ERP system as necessary and appropriate based on the needs and requirements of this position.

Essential Job Functions

The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Manage complex development applications; review plats, permits, site plans, and variance requests; provide direction and guidance to the public regarding development projects; understand, interpret, and apply appropriate planning principles and practices; coordinate projects to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of the San Juan County Growth Management Plan and land development regulations; write or assist in writing a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls; coordinate staff teams (and public teams when needed) to create and modify major plans, guidelines, and procedures; prepare agenda items for presentation and adoption by the County Commission.
• Respond to inquiries from the public by telephone, through written correspondence, and in person to provide information to property owners, developers, and other interested parties pertaining to land use application plan reviews, and development procedures and regulations.
• Guide private property owners and community members through the review process, providing them with consistent and quality service.
• Conduct research and prepare statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues; research land matters including deeds, surveys and related information.
• Perform field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Present reports and other findings to staff, the public, and the County Commission.
• Interpret and apply applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Identify community challenges, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning; facilitates civic, business and governmental groups to explain policies, plans and procedures related to assigned area of responsibility; advise groups of policy actions and recommend specific courses of action; work closely with elected officials, the private sector and numerous organizations to provide community outreach and collection of data related to community needs, goals and services.
• Schedule and conduct public hearings related to subdivisions and other developments; prepare documentation; summarize information from agency reports, maps, field investigations and other documents.
• Maintain records; prepare and update files.
• Using excellent customer service skills, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees within the department, other departments, entities and the general public --- exercising common sense, diplomacy, flexibility, and the ability to assist the public in resolving issues.
• Assist in budget preparation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.