ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Associate Planner consults with and provides technical assistance in zoning, land use, housing, and development to the Planning Division staff, other Department of City Development (DCD) personnel, property owners and developers, community-based organizations, and the public.


The incumbent will support zoning, land use planning, and housing development initiatives in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute § 66.1001 and Wisconsin Act 173.

Essential Functions

Land Use, Zoning, and Development Review

• Administer applications for Future Land Use Map updates and Comprehensive Plan amendments.
• Support the processing of applications for Zoning Map Change requests, Planned Development creation and modifications, overlay zone creation and administration, and other items requiring City Plan Commission review.
• Coordinate with Planning staff and City departments to review applications, track project status, make recommendations, prepare and present files for City Plan Commission and Common Council review, and provide ongoing technical assistance.
• Support Zoning Code text updates and Zoning Map Changes that advance Comprehensive Plan goals.
• Provide zoning, land use, and housing development information to property owners, developers, City staff, and the public.
• Present reports to public bodies such as the City Plan Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and Common Council Committees.
• Research and recommend changes to public policy and regulations to achieve land use, zoning, and housing development goals.

Planning Project Support

• Support Comprehensive Plan updates and amendment efforts, focusing on land use planning, zoning, economic development, and housing initiatives.
• Complete tasks that may include the analysis of existing conditions, future land use, housing, and development patterns and trends.
• Prepare written materials including maps, graphics, and exhibits.
• Support and carry out public engagement, including developing engagement strategies and materials, attending community meetings, summarizing engagement results, and updating project webpages and other online and print distribution.
• Support planning projects that rely on data analysis and projections to inform land use, zoning, housing, development planning, and policy recommendations.
• Conduct research, identify appropriate data sources, analyze data, perform trend and market analysis, present findings, and make recommendations.
• Interpret and communicate findings into reports, maps, and other visualizations, and translate complex information into clear written text and illustrations.

Planning Administration

• Assist the City Planning Director, Principal Planner (City Plan Commission), Commissioner's Office, and other Divisions/Departments with special projects.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in the planning and housing fields, including legislation, case law, and professional practices and techniques.
• Contribute to maintaining the Planning webpages on the City's website.
• Represent the DCD at local and national conferences on planning, zoning, land use, urban design, transportation, environment, community/economic development, and engagement.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

The Associate Planner must be willing and able to:

• Travel to various locations throughout the city for meetings.
• Occasionally work evenings and weekends in the community.

Minimum Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, geographic information systems (GIS), or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of professional urban planning experience.
3. Ability to travel independently throughout the City of Milwaukee by public transportation, walking, bicycling, ridesharing, or driving at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, geographic information systems (GIS), or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign or similar design software.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Familiarity with Milwaukee's Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

• Knowledge of urban planning, including public participation, economic development, land use planning, zoning, urban design, and transportation principles and practices.
• Ability to read survey maps and plats.
• Knowledge of mathematics to aid in data analysis.
• Ability to conduct research, compile and analyze data, and produce reports.
• Proficiency using GIS software, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, database software, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Ability to lead planning or community development initiatives in neighborhoods throughout the city, including carrying out accessible, responsive, and innovative public engagement techniques.
• Ability to perform complex mapping and data analysis assignments, including synthesizing complex data and analyses into key takeaways and recommendations.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Customer service skills to provide outstanding client service.
• Ability to collaborate with a range of people across responsibility levels.
• Verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups of individuals and make presentations in public meetings.
• Written communication skills to create clear and concise business communications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including elected officials, policymakers, community organizations, business owners, developers, contractors, the public, and co-workers.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Judgment and Professionalism

• Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions.
• Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and sensitive issues.
• Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as necessary.
• Problem-solving skills to recognize and recommend solutions.
• Ability to carry out complex assignments with a high degree of independence.
• Ability to work efficiently, both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment when interacting with the public, elected officials, and City employees.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (Pay Range 2KX) is $79,209-$101,665 annually , and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $82,378-$105,731 annually . Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.


In accordance with the City of Milwaukee Salary Ordinance, an Associate Planner with an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification shall be paid an additional 3%.


BENEFITS:


The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test; a structured interview; or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.


INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs are met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative dates or times for the selection process. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

• Applications can be accessed by visiting
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.