This position is involved in work associated with urban planning, land use planning, zoning/signage code enforcement, and the coordination of the permitting/building, electrical and plumbing plan review process. This position is highly independent and collaborates, responds to/serves many people, including citizens, managers, department heads, appointed officials, and elected representatives, with little daily supervision.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed within are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform essential functions.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. A Planner must be accessible by phone and/or available to work extended hours and/or report to the worksite outside of regular office hours as needed, including, but not limited to, nights, weekends, holidays, etc. to support the City's programs and services.
Travel
This position requires minimal travel. Site visits will be part of the daily routine; a City-owned vehicle will be provided as needed. Travel to conferences, seminars, training, etc. is encouraged, as budgeted.Required Education/Training and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning or related field, such as political science, public administration, urban geography, urban sociology, or urban studies; or equivalent number of years recent work experience and education in architectural review, plan review, site/landscaping design and code enforcement is required.
Preferred Education/Training and Experience
Master’s Degree in Urban Planning with recent work experience in architectural review, plan review, site/landscaping design and code enforcement desirable is preferred.
The City of Greenfield reserves the right to utilize equivalencies where deemed appropriate with regard to education and experience requirements and may consider combinations of education and experience likely to lead to success with essential duties and responsibilities.
- Coordination of the review and analysis of site, landscaping and architectural design, zoning codes, sign codes, building codes, land division, comprehensive land use plans, transportation plans, storm water management, regional land use, housing reports, sewer/water service and other considerations for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
- Inspects and enforces Plan Commission (PC), Common Council (CC) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) site, landscaping, screening, architectural and signage conditions of approval.
- Attends monthly ZBOA meetings (fourth Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm), and PC and CC nightly monthly meetings in the absence of the City Planner, as needed.
- Establishes/assembles agreement documents between developers and the City for various Planning projects.
- Inspects for “non-permitted” uses for violations of City Codes and Ordinances.
- Administration and coordination of the permitting/plan review process with outside agencies.
- Administration and coordination of zoning policies, including interpreting and enforcing the Greenfield Municipal Code in cooperation with the City Planner, the City Attorney, and when necessary, the City’s Code Enforcement Officer.
- Processes business occupancy permit applications, including zoning verification.
- Promotes economic development within the city.
- Assists with the implementation of special projects focused on community and neighborhood revitalization as assigned, including Tax Incremental Financing Plans, 27th Street Business Association long-range Plans, Redevelopment Plans, Neighborhood Planning, and other long-term/larger-scaled plans.
- Provides staff support for the PC, CC, ZBOA, Community Development Authority (CDA), and Joint Review Board (JRB), including processing applications, agendas, resolutions, ordinances, staff reports, and multimedia public presentations.
- Assists in the preparation of updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
- Coordinates building, electrical and plumbing permitting and plan review.
- Interacts with citizens, the business/development community, and elected/appointed officials in relation to land use.
- Operates GIS systems.
- Administers the department web pages and department filing system of property files.
Other Qualifications
Possession and maintenance of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license. This position requires emotional intelligence, work ethic, accountability, and initiative to effectively perform the duties.
Physical Demands
Possess the physical ability to perform the duties of the position including, but not limited to, occasional lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs.; occasional sitting, frequent standing, walking, and climbing; the ability to occasionally bend, kneel, climb, twist, stoop, crawl, squat, reach, push, pull, etc.; ability to continuously focus for long periods of time on projects; occasional entering and exiting of a personal or City-owned vehicle; and occasional driving in variable and unfavorable weather conditions.
Ability to withstand exposure to variable and unfavorable weather conditions; ability to walk on uneven surfaces; ability to perform inspections which may include exposure to odors, noise, vibrations, vehicular traffic, dust. The employee is required to react appropriately when hazards are identified.
Work Environment
This employee will spend approximately 90 – 95% of their time in an office environment and the balance of their time in the field. Field work/inspections are performed in all Wisconsin weather conditions. The employee is required to attend meetings outside of regular office hours including but not limited to: Common Council (and occasionally its committees like Finance or Legislative), Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Community Development Authority, BID Board, Neighborhood Information Meetings, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Equipment Used
Computer and appropriate software, scanner/copy machine, calculator, City-owned vehicle, telephone, digital camera, and mobile phone.
Competencies
- Communication Proficiency
- Thoroughness
- Detail Orientated
- Technical Capacity
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Organization Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Collaboration Skills
- Customer Relations Focus
- Excellent Math Skills
Language and Reasoning Abilities
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Ability to comprehend State Statutes and City Ordinances.
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaint from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
- Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and elected officials.
- Must have strong interpersonal communications skills.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general instructions and technical procedures and government regulations.
- Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from elected officials, co-workers and the general public.
- Spanish or a second language is desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and objectives of urban planning.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; good knowledge of City codes and ordinances.
- Knowledge of local, state and federal laws pertaining to community planning, comprehensive land use planning, industrial and commercial development, community conservation, and environmental analysis and code enforcement.
- Some skill in inspecting the work of subordinate employees (inspectors and intern positions).
- Ability to use ArcGIS, Dropbox, and social media sites.
- Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.
- Ability to read and understand maps and plans.
- Ability to communicate effectively in a helpful and professional manner, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, elected and appointed officials, developers, architects, contractors, property owners, and the public.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening. Applicants may be fingerprinted and a record check made of local, state or federal authorities. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.
Salary and Benefits
Wages and benefits are determined by the existing non-represented resolution.
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of the City of Greenfield not to discriminate unlawfully against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, disability, national origin, creed, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, membership in the military or national guard, use of a lawful product while off duty, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest, or conviction record or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. This policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; recruitment or other compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. This City further agrees to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities.