OVERVIEW

The City of Valdosta is accepting applications for the position of Senior Planner for Current Planning as part of the Planning Department. Primary work assignments focus on the areas of land use and short-range planning initiatives of the City.

• Processes all land use applications relating to rezoning, conditional use, planned development, annexation and DRI requests. This includes proper advertisement, preparation of staff reports and recommendations, compile agenda item packets, and present these items at local Planning Commission public hearings.
• Maintain organized casefile records of all such land use applications, and coordinate necessary data updates with the countywide Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Conduct proper research and coordinate with other City staff to prepare periodic amendments to the City's Land Development Regulations (LDR) and other related development codes of the City.
• Assist and coordinate with Zoning staff regarding complex interpretations relating to land use, as well as subdivision and site plan reviews.
• Attend periodic pre-application and development review meetings as needed, and provide technical assistance and planning advice to members of the local development community and general citizenry.
• Coordinate with the Planning Director and other local Planners in providing technical staff report and periodic training assistance to members of the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission.
• Maintain the City's compliance with the Census Bureau's Boundary and Annexation (BAS) reporting requirements, and periodic Census update activities.
• Assist the Planning Director with planning projects and research studies as may be needed. This position also assists other Planning staff as needed with some of the routine office functions, including citizen inquiries, general research, departmental newsletters, etc..

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography or related field with two (2) years of planning experience in a governmental environment. A Master's degree in one of these fields is preferred and may contribute to the experience requirement.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of urban planning and related laws..
• Strong communication, map reading, organization, and writing skills, and possess the ability to deal effectively with government officials and the public.
• Computer-literate and possess sufficient skills with Microsoft Office products, including the creation of forms, tables, brochures, and simple graphics.
• Skill in general research and technical analysis of planning-related information, and the ability to make sound assessments and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, as well as establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and the development community.
• Possess knowledge about basic governmental functions, and local geography, or have the ability to quickly learn such knowledge.
• Must possess or obtain a Georgia driver's license and satisfactorily complete a background check and post-offer physical.

Closing Date: Open until Filled