City Planner

Job Summary/Scope
Directs Planning Staff and coordinates planning and zoning activities with emphasis on current and long-range planning and Historic Preservation Program. Updates planning strategies and provides support to customers regarding zoning permits and applications. Prepares and administers Ordinances and Staff Reports to Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Downtown Review Board.

Supervisory Responsibility
Integral to the position of City Planner is the responsibility for developing subordinates to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
PROVIDES technical assistance for development activities to the Director of Planning and Community Development, Council-appointed committees and City Staff.
WORKS with groups outside the City government, including but not limited to, development organizations, neighborhood groups, individuals and developers.
PREPARES Staff Reports to Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Downtown Review Board and accompanying Ordinances to City Council where appropriate.
MAINTAINS and updates existing Land Use Plan.
ANALYZES plans and proposals to determine compliance with municipal, state and federal agreements, laws and recommendations.
ANALYZES new policy, development law or development proposals and DEVELOPS a recommendation to Council appointed committees/commissions.
ATTENDS Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Downtown Review Board, Landmark Commission and Council meetings as needed and any other assigned public committee/commission.
SUPERVISES Assistant City Planner and Historic Preservation Planner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
PERFORMS all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.

Required (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable skill in research analysis and data presentation.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban areas, planning research, zoning, transportation and community development activities.
Knowledge of common charter provisions and municipal ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, community and economic development programs.
Knowledge of planning law required.
Working knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics, research methodology of standard statistical procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials and members of the general public.
American Institute of Certified Planning certification desirable.
Three to five years prior experience in community or neighborhood planning, two years of which preferably spent in a supervisory capacity.
Valid driver's license required.

Material and Equipment Directly Used
Regularly uses personal computer with variety of software applications and other standard office equipment. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Work generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. Frequent need to perform field visits; requires ability to drive, with physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping. Seldom need to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration or related field required. Graduate Degree preferred.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.