Associate City Planner

Nature of Work

Performs current and long-range planning projects in the Department, focusing on reviewing land use applications, and development permits and working on special projects to implement long-range planning objectives. Work varies, requiring individual judgment in variation from standards and procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior City Planner position.

Essential Functions of Work

• Participates in the Department's long-range planning efforts by updating adopted comprehensive planning documents and tracking implementation of their recommended planning objectives.

• Works with planning staff to create new comprehensive planning projects to respond to development trends and other community development priorities.

• May be assigned to work with the Senior Transportation Planner to staff the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

• Provides zoning information to the public, property owners, and development interests.

• Reviews site plans for development, proposed subdivision plats, and home occupation requests; issues zoning permits; and inspects projects under construction for zoning compliance.

• Prepares staff reports on development projects for presentation to the Planning Advisory Board, City Commission, Board of Adjustment, Local/State/Federal agencies, special interest groups, civic groups, the general public, etc.

• Gathers and analyzes planning-related data for projects as assigned.

• Prepares maps, charts, graphs, and other illustrative material for long-range planning projects.

Education and Experience

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field.

• Two years of planning experience as an Assistant City Planner or other related experience.

• A Master's degree may substitute for experience.

• Mainframe and personal computer experience (Microsoft Office Suite software).

• GIS knowledge

Requirements of Work

• Work is conducted in a fast-paced office environment. Incumbent must be able to work in a team environment and collaborate with other planners to achieve desired outcomes.

• Because of financial investments being made in the development process, it is essential that zoning information be conveyed accurately and in a timely fashion. Attention to detail is critical.

• Expectations of work performance differ from those of the Assistant City Planner position in that incumbents will conduct more complicated planning work with less supervision.

• Incumbent must have excellent oral and written communication skills and can clearly communicate planning concepts in both technical and non-technical terms in meetings with applicants and in more formal presentations to Boards and Commissions.

• Because some projects may be long-range, one must be able to work independently and make meaningful progress on initiatives with longer-term deadlines while staying abreast of more immediate responsibilities.

• Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may not agree with issues involving City activities and policies.

• Ability to operate, or quickly learn to operate, a personal computer or other devices using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ethical Conduct

• Attention to Detail

• Collaboration Skills

• Technical Skills

• Oral and Written Communication Proficiency

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride, and conduct similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform light physical work and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a personal computer, office equipment, and a motor vehicle; the ability to talkand hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is a 40-hour workweek, Sunday through Saturday. This position is exempt and not eligible for overtime. Normal work hours are Monday through Friday.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.