Closing Date:  5/22/24

What do we offer?

A competitive salary, five-year vested pension plan, great benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, qualifying childcare assistance, paid time off and more.

Work Location: This position is currently permitted to work in a hybrid work environment.  Employees are on-site (in the office) three days a week; however, the supervising manager may determine that the nature of assigned tasks or workload requires the employee to work on-site more often as needed.  The hybrid work environment policy is governed by adopted City policies and may change at any time.

Job Summary

Functions as a project manager or project specialist to develop comprehensive city plans affecting land use, landmark designations, physical facilities, zoning, and/or transportation issues.

Primary responsibilities of the Senior Planner (Current Planning/Zoning) include technical review and project management of zoning applications including general zoning changes, specific use permits, planned development districts, and public deed restrictions. The zoning review process includes site visits, research, coordinating with other departments and outside agencies, providing information to the public, writing technical reports with a staff recommendation, and presenting cases to the City Plan Commission. Other duties may include assisting with general zoning inquiries and with the intake of zoning applications.

Individuals need to have prior experience with zoning cases, a basic knowledge of the development process, and moderate knowledge of geographic information systems. They must be able to perform research in an orderly and timely manner, analyze data and abstract problems, and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals orally and in writing.

Eligible candidates will have excellent time management, project management, and conflict management skills. They will also possess a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to explain nuanced planning concepts to laypeople in a way that is accessible and understandable.

Essential Functions

1. Designs, develops, coordinates, and conducts urban design studies, design guidelines, development proposal and policy analyses affecting land use, physical facilities, zoning, and transportation issues; reviews and comments on development proposals and their impacts on existing land use, physical facilities, zoning, or transportation issues.
2. Prepares mapping and data analysis related to a variety of projects and functions, including long range planning needs, interdepartmental and interagency analytical support, and policy development; develops citywide analysis related to planning, redevelopment, market conditions, and neighborhood assessment and conditions; prepares analysis in a variety of formats suited to a range of audiences, including internal staff and directors, policymakers, community members, and external stakeholders.
3. Drafts prepares and presents design proposals for community development and renewal; provides technical assistance, information, and collaborates with local transit and transportation agencies, local planning agencies, technical work groups, and other planning policy organizations.
4. Applies statistical and planning and design theory, collects data, interprets public policy, and maintains or accesses diverse databases to identify and recommend appropriate urban planning and development actions; strategizes and assists in the preparation and implementation of the City-wide Comprehensive Plan.
5. Confers with the public, local authorities and city council members to discuss and recommend preliminary planning and design measures; responds to requests for information from citizens, board and commission members, and other City staff; develops various innovative outreach materials on various topics for community engagement.
6. Manages and coordinates projects between various departments and divisions to ensure timely and correct responses; engages and communicates with neighborhood groups, stakeholders, steering committees, City Council, and other agencies to present documents, charts, graphs, maps, and case reports for planning and development purposes.
7. Listens to Council initiatives and decisions, reviews best practices from other cities, and remains informed about development and urban planning law and trends; engages with other planners and affected staff, researches potential effects on current and future development patterns and determines appropriate zoning and development standards for areas subject to the authorized hearing based on land use regulations, urban planning best practices, area plans, Market Value Analysis, and vision documents.
8. Participates and leads in implementing various special projects throughout the year; develops strong community engagement projects and drafts graphic or informational items while supporting the Comprehensive Planning initiatives.
9. Solves complex problems in connection with the planning of small to large scale urban design, transportation, land use, or other planning activities; provides leadership and technical expertise to identify planning issues and concerns, make appropriate recommendations, and implement resolutions benefitting the City and its Comprehensive plan.
10. Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply principles, methods, and techniques of urban planning.
• Knowledge of City development and building codes.
• Knowledge of marketing and community outreach.
• Knowledge of design systems and software.
• Ability to interact with the public, homeowners, business owners, regulatory agencies, various organizations, and peers in a positive manner.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and research the impact of future developments upon neighborhood and city growth.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects.
• Ability to make presentations to various groups.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

EDUCATION

Master’s degree in a planning, urban studies/design, architecture, public administration, sociology, geography, engineering or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of professional level experience in planning, urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture or related work.

EQUIVALENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in a specified field plus four (4) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a non-specified field plus six (6) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSE 

Valid driver’s license with good driving record.

PREFERENCES

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Architecture/Landscape Architecture Licensure is a plus.
• English/Spanish bilingual skills a plus.