Senior Planner

Under general supervision, performs specialized work of a high level of difficulty in county/community land planning and development, zoning and research; performs related work as assigned.

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Accomplishes Community, departmental, and work group goals and objectives.
• Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments.
• Serves as planning project manager, Manages complex planning studies, development applications and reviews consultant proposals.
• Performs technical review of Preliminary plans, Site Plans, comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings and annexations.
• Creates and updates long and short-range planning documents, such as the Community's General Plan, Strategic Plan.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates planning projects of Community-wide scope, such as environmental planning, code review and revision, ordinance implementation, Community planning, and transportation planning.
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues.
• Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects.
• Works in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, and others.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Makes presentations and facilitates meetings with the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Supervisors, County departments, other Boards and Commissions, public forums, and other professional meetings.
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, planning and zoning boards and commissions, and elected officials and serves as liaison representing Navajo County.
• Answers inquiries from, and provides assistance to, the public regarding development proposals and projects and other current Community planning activities.
• Prepares written project analysis for appropriate land use policy, environmental procedures and requirements; and makes recommendations for actions.
• Skills in communicating with a diverse public having varied educational backgrounds and values, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.
• Supervises more junior planners within organization.
• Performs special projects and other work-related duties as assigned.  

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of county, state and federal laws pertaining to county planning and zoning and/or transportation planning.
• Knowledge of graphic techniques and interpretation of topographic maps.
• Knowledge of land use ordinance and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic statistical methods and computer applications.
• Skill in applying the principles and practices of urban or regional planning.
• Skill in compiling statistical information and preparing technical reports.
• Skill in interpreting planning requirements and objectives to interested groups and the general public.
• Sill in interpreting and applying laws pertaining to county planning.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
• Skill to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced office, to meet multiple deadlines, and handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and also able to work independently.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with others.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality both within and outside of the office.

Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, Urban or Regional Zoning/Planning (Masters preferred); AND four years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training or experience; AND a valid driver license. AICP certification preferred in five (5) years of hire.