PLANNER

Description

PLANNER I - PLANNER II 

Open Until Filled 

Regular, Full-time, Exempt Position Starting Salary: $45,115.20 - $51,958.40 DOQ

Summary/Objective

The Planner (Housing Focus) performs long-range policy planning functions to guide the growth and development of the City in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plans and regulations, by using sound planning principles and practices for data collection, performing research, and in developing projections, reports, plans, policies, initiatives, and recommendations related to applicable community issues. While this position is focused on housing policy and issues, it also assists with current planning and zoning activities, as needed. As such, this position must possess considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of urban planning, applicable planning law, and the planning process.

Essential Functions

• Analyze and interpret applicable comprehensive plans, ordinances and regulations, and review development applications and site plans in accordance with professional planning procedures to provide for orderly growth of the City.
• Conduct research on various planning issues and assist with developing and implementing policies and initiatives to address needs in the community.
• Use computer technology to conduct research, and prepare visual graphics, studies, plans, reports, maps, and presentations, including proficiency in GIS analysis, power point, word processing and spreadsheets.
• Research and analyze applicable community issues, which may include assisting with designing and conducting initiatives that incorporate appropriate public involvement strategies; developing projections and alternative solutions; making recommendations; and exercising good judgment in addressing issues.
• Evaluate completeness and accuracy of development applications, legal notices, staff reports and planning studies and data analysis.
• Read and interpret various types of planning maps, subdivision plats, legal descriptions, site plans, and architectural drawings.
• Develop and maintain accurate and complete records, databases, and files.
• Effectively communicate in the English language, both in oral and written form with the public, neighborhood and business groups, other staff members and Advisory Boards, using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct and adherence to the Ethics Policies adopted by the City of Manhattan, the American Planning Association; and when applicable, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Other Duties

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Housing Advisory Board, which includes preparing staff reports, minutes, meeting packets and agendas; developing recommendations; and making staff presentations at meetings.
• Serve as a Neighborhood Liaison to an assigned portion of the community.
• Assist Community Development Department personnel in conducting other projects and/or development reviews.
• Assist the Current Planning Division to process, review and write staff reports and make recommendations on an “as-needed” basis.
• Prepare visual aids and make public presentations in a competent and professional manner that are appropriately tailored to the specific topic and target audience.
• Maneuver over rough terrain to perform site analysis in adverse weather conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience - Planner

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, urban design, geography, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• Valid Kansas driver’s license.

Required Education and Experience - Planner II

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, urban design, geography, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in municipal public-sector planning.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• Valid Kansas driver’s license.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Urban Planning.
• Course work, degree specialization, and/or practical knowledge and work experience in housing policy and implementation is preferred.