Planner

JOB The Department currently has two vacancies. One vacancy is a permanent position. The second vacancy is grant-funded and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds. If grant funding is exhausted or discontinued, the grant-funded position may become unfunded.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Planner position provides professional expertise and assistance for a range of planning, development, redevelopment, and related department services and activities. The Planner will facilitate predevelopment review processes, serve as a representative of the Plan Commission, educate members of the public, compile data, maintain records, complete analyses and studies as the basis for policy recommendations, and perform project-planning work. The Planner focuses on promoting a positive customer experience within the development services area and providing services to citizens in an effective and efficient manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide information and assistance to developers and citizens regarding development requirements.

Review plans and prepare reports on development requests; consults with planning peers; participates in peer review on planning projects as needed.

Ensure compliance with zoning, subdivision, and related codes.

Collaborate with other City departments and divisions on infrastructure and potential public impacts of land use development.

Present findings to the Plan Commission for zone changes, special use permits, site plan reviews, lot splits, subdivision plats, and planned unit developments; provides support to the City's historic districts and assists property owners with the proposal of environmental change within said districts.

Assist members of the public with planning and zoning questions.

Ensure understanding and support of departmental programs, services, and policies within the City.

Ensure timely and thorough planning and project reporting; provides accurate measure of actions taken to create and maintain land development services for the City.

Utilize GIS systems and other resources to compile data, perform data analyses, and map to support project review and research.

Maintain the City's zoning and land use maps.

Oversees and coordinates meeting agendas for various commissions, board, and community groups; may draft materials, organize meetings, and prepare public hearing notices to ensure timely notification; prepares and presents staff reports to the City Council, Planning Commission, and related entities.

Represents the City in various regional organizations, boards, and commissions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Zoning, public sector planning and other related ordinances, laws, or codes.

Computer programs, including but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.

Skill in:

Conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and performing public presentations.

Following oral and written instruction.

Operating modern office equipment, including but not limited to, personal computers.

Ability to: Review plans and apply provisions of relevant ordinances and codes to determine compliance.

Work independently and within a team environment.

Attention to detail with consideration to "big picture" processes.

Communicate effectively via written and verbal communications.

Work on several projects simultaneously.

Enforce codes with firmness and tact.

Research, compile data, and present findings in a public forum.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in and major course work in Urban or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography or closely related field.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described within this job description 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.

In this position, the employee will frequently stand, walk, and sit. The employee will occasionally write. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position. The employee will rarely need to lift/lower, carry, push, and/or pull items up to 15 lbs. The employee will rarely need to drive to various worksites.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently indoors with occasional outdoor work and extended work hours. The noise level in the environment is usually low. Travel to various worksites is rare, however, may be required.

If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419) 245-1500.

Class Code:

Planner (4112)