Senior Planner

Position Summary

Under general supervision, this advanced level planner position performs professional level work in the field of current planning, advanced planning and analysis. Responsible for coordinating and processing planning and zoning cases from application to final approval. Leads development review meetings and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Essential Job Functions

Essential Job Functions represents 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual and on-site attendance is essential for all functions listed below:

Processes planning and zoning cases by reviewing development proposals. Ensures applicant's submission meets requirements; coordinates development proposals; reviews development proposals with other departments; prepares technical comments and compiles zoning history information for each case; ensures additional or revised information is provided by applicant; determines if special exceptions or variances to development standards are required; prepares graphics for each case; prepares memos, reports and details for final Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council packet distribution.

Prepares and reviews legal notifications prior to mailing and newspaper submission. Prepares clear and legally correct resolutions and ordinances; researches property ownership; and participates in comprehensive planning activities and other special studies and projects.

Confers with citizens, architects, engineers, developers, builders, etc. on general zoning and submission regulations and policies; researches history and background on zoning ordinances and various projects for other city departments and the general public. Processes general planning and zoning information requests over the telephone, via email, and walk-in traffic.

Reviews site development plans for compliance with zoning standards and with conditions established by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council related to pending and approved site plans; maintains zoning and site plan files; reviews and recommends revisions to the subdivision and zoning ordinances.

Researches and officially responds to requests for Zoning Verification Letters on specific addresses and sites within the city.

Education and Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Urban Planning.

Minimum four years of related work experience is required.

Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification and training will be considered.

Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of principles, concepts and theories of urban planning; knowledge of both short and long range planning; ability to analyze complex data; skills in the operation of computer, database programs and computer modeling techniques; knowledge of data collection, methodology, demographics and statistics.

Fluency in Microsoft Office products. Skill in the operation of mapping software, desktop publishing software, and Adobe Suite software is highly desired.

Decisions regarding implementation of policies may be made. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

This position normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion.

Advanced work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization-wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.

Advanced ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents. Intermediate ability to deal with system of real numbers, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions and measurements. Advanced ability to write editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.