City Planner

Overview

Definition. This is professional work in urban planning. An employee in this class performs the full range of data gathering, data inventorying, research, analysis and reporting for designing and preparing significant elements of the planning program. Works under the general direction of senior staff using independent judgment. Work is reviewed for conformance to policy and professional standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, implement, and evaluate research, field studies and analysis contributing to elements of the City’s planning program.
• Research criteria for all types of development.
• Assist government officials, design professionals, developers, public interest groups and the public with elements of the Zoning Code, Zoning Map, land use plans, and transportation plans.
• Review project proposals and plans to ensure compliance with zoning codes, area plans, and urban design principles; prepare and forward recommendations to senior staff.
• Use a personal computer to prepare technical reports, plans and memoranda on data, analysis and program policies.
• Analyze and compare existing development with standards to determine deficiencies.
• Survey physiographic characteristics of the region and record features including land use and vacant land zoning.
• Design measurement procedures and methods for inventorying results.
• Assist in the completion of planning studies.
• Prepare land use maps utilizing GIS software.
• Read and interpret maps.
• Coordinate and conduct field surveys.
• Conduct feasibility studies of plans submitted by developers.
• Survey, obtain, evaluate, summarize and analyze reports, documents and other literature from other governmental agencies or professional organizations.
• Develop planning study methodologies.
• Drive to meetings with officials in other jurisdictions to secure and exchange information and plan cooperative efforts.
• Attend off‑site conferences and training sessions.
• Drive to meetings with the public to provide technical assistance and present information on various components of the planning program.
• Perform related work as required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree and a minimum of one year of post‑baccalaureate paid experience in urban planning work. A master’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field may be substituted for the paid experience requirement.
• Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver’s license.
• Considerable knowledge of the techniques of urban planning and research, and standard principles and practices of urban design and architecture, public administration, economics, sociology, geography, and transportation.
• Knowledge of municipal administration and organization.
• Skill in conducting surveys, compiling data, inventorying data, and analyzing spatial and temporal relationships; presenting statistical data; preparing maps and graphic presentations; developing and conveying ideas and information verbally and in written form.
• Skill in using a personal computer and common business and geographic information systems (GIS) software.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with others.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• List of essential job functions available upon request.

Benefits

City of Akron permanent, full‑time employees and their eligible dependents are covered by a comprehensive health plan including emergency accident care, inpatient hospitalization, surgical, diagnostic services, outpatient services, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision and life insurance. Paid time off benefits may include paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave or paid leave. All non‑safety force employees are members of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). For additional information regarding benefits, contact the Employee Benefits Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both its hiring and employment practices.