Town Planner

Salary: The full salary range is $67,225 - $86,444 with expected hiring range between $67,225 - $76,835 depending on qualifications.
 
Benefits: Employer contribution of 6.8% into Wisconsin Retirement System, State of WI Health Insurance; Vision Insurance; Accident Insurance; Critical Illness Insurance; 100% employer paid Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, and Disability Insurance Premiums; 80 hours of paid holidays per year; 8 hours of sick leave per month (accumulation to 960 hours) and sick leave incentive; vacation leave; and attractive work hours, plus a welcoming, friendly, respectful work environment!

Deadline: Application materials received May 24, 2023 will receive best consideration. However, application materials will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
 
How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume-depending on position, and application to hr@grandchutewi.gov.
The Town of Grand Chute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

General Job Summary
The Town Planner works in a fast-paced team environment, reviewing and processing zoning and land development proposals, creating and presenting written and oral reports to diverse audiences, and assisting in development and implementation of long-range plans and special project studies. The Town Planner also assists other Town departments with researching, writing and administering grant projects and administering local zoning and land use codes.   

Under the supervision of the Community Development Director, the Town Planner is responsible for the completion of moderate to high level assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Performs customer service duties by answering questions or assisting with general information related to Grand Chute’s planning, zoning, and land development regulations and its project review process. 10%
2. Evaluates and performs technical review of commercial, residential and mixed-use development proposals for compliance with codes, plans and practices of the Town. 20%
3. Performs case management duties for development proposals under review, including coordination with other Town departments, applicants and the public. 15%
4. Writes detailed project reports and recommendations, and makes presentations to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Board. 20%
5. Advises builders, developers, architects, engineers, property owners, and other Town departments on local zoning and land use codes, plans and policies. Reviews concept plans as needed. 10%
6. Gathers, develops and analyzes data used in preparation of project review reports. 5%
7. Researches grant opportunities, writes funding proposals, and administers grant projects from inception to completion. 5%
8. Prepares amendments to the Zoning and Municipal Code and draft code revisions to present to Plan Commission and Town Board. 5%
9. Assists in preparation and implementation of long-range (Comprehensive Plan) and special project plans (Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Community Forestry Strategy, and Pedestrian & Bicycle Strategy). 10%
Perform additional duties as assigned and attend the Town required training. Regular attendance is required. Work in a manner that is aware of personal safety and the safety of others and observes safety, health and sanitation codes, regulations, or practices required by the Town or governmental authority.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible planning/zoning experience at the local, county, state, or regional level.
• Experience in local government reviewing development projects, land use planning, code administration, and grant writing is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of planning and zoning law, comprehensive planning principles, development review techniques, land subdivision processes, urban design principles, and stormwater management practices.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of local government operations, knowledge of the functions of a planning department, and proven ability to apply that knowledge with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of government grant-making, including discovery of grant opportunities, writing fund requests, and administering successful awards.
• Basic knowledge of GIS programs and applications, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access.
• Basic knowledge of economic development principals and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
• Basic knowledge of environmental regulation and permitting, specifically issues related to wetlands and floodplains.
• Basic understanding of civil engineering principles.
• Strong technical and persuasive writing skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, Town staff, property owners, developers, engineers, architects, grant funders, and the public.
• Strong verbal communication skills that ensure effective speaking and listening when conveying information on Town codes, programs and policies.
• Proficient in use of graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Google SketchUp and InDesign considered a plus.
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with diverse audiences both small and large, including:  ability to act in a professional manner with tact, good judgment and discretion; ability to communicate effectively under stressful conditions with individuals or groups who may be skeptical, argumentative or disagreeable; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; and, the ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information when needed.
• Ability to gather data, analyze information, and make recommendations to Town officials, boards, and commissions.
• Ability to read and understand written materials, including: Town codes and ordinances; planning, zoning and engineering procedures and policies; grant guidelines; and, ability to apply the knowledge and information gained from these materials in performing the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Proven ability to prepare written documents that are concise, courteous yet persuasive, and presented in such a manner that technical information is presented in clear, understandable terms.
• Ability to obtain information on local government grants, communicate funding opportunities with Town departments, write grant applications, and perform grant administration and close-out tasks.
• Ability to perform technical review of site plans, plats, maps, civil engineering plans, and drainage plans, and then develop written and oral reports based on research, good planning practices, precedent, Town policy, and team input.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining an effective system for prioritizing work efforts, and to effectively deal with frequent interruptions or requests for assistance.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and in the use of GIS software.
The Town may consider any equivalent amount of credentials, licensures, training, or experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Equipment Used
General office equipment such as; computers, phones, copier, scanner, handheld devices, and vehicles to job sites.

Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a climate controlled office environment. Typical hours are Monday – Thursday 7:00 am – 4:30 pm and Friday from 7:00 am – 11:00 am; however additional hours may be required to attend evening meetings.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform this job.
Tasks involve frequent sitting, standing and walking; occasional lifting and carrying objects of moderate weight (12-20 lbs). Regular hand manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination. Frequent color perception and discrimination, sound perception and discrimination, and visual perception anion. Infrequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Note
The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the job if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the job. Percentage of time may vary widely depending on the needs of the position during any particular time period.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.