JOB SUMMARY

Provides leadership, direction, management, and oversight of the Planning Department's activities and operations, encompassing all City planning and code enforcement functions; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and external agencies; and provides highly-responsible and complex administrative support to the Deputy City Manager.

Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, this position is responsible for the administration and enforcement of zoning, subdivision, and other development-related ordinances and regulations. Work includes assisting in the formulation, modification, and administration of current and long-range plans regarding land use, housing, economic development, transportation, population, and similar matters.

The Planning Division Manager supervises and participates in advanced, highly complex professional planning activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume full management responsibility for all Planning Department services and activities including all City planning, and code enforcement activities and the development, administration, and implementation of the City's general plan; recommend and administer policies and procedures
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Planning Department
• Acting zoning official
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.
• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis
• Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and environmental studies
• Advises the Deputy City Manager on all planning-related matters
• Reviews proposed requests for rezoning, conditional uses, and street and alley vacations and presents the information to the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Reviews subdivision plats for compliance with the subdivision ordinance, confers with engineers and developers relative to required or suggested changes, recommends acceptance or rejection of plats to the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Attends meetings of and provides technical assistance to Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and to various other committees, boards and commissions, as assigned by the Deputy City manager. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and community development.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration, monitors and controls expenditures.
• Develops and participates in short and long range planning studies to review and re-vise the comprehensive plan; reviews the work with the Planning and Zoning Commission and other departments where applicable.
• Develops and participates in development of studies related to land use, zoning, land subdivisions, Central Business District Improvements, streets, public improvements, parking, parks, economic development, and similar topics.
• Prepares and recommends revisions, as necessary, of codes and ordinances related to zoning, subdivision, economic development, and similar development-related matters.
• Assists in the drafting of Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and other development-related ordinances and regulations.
• Assists in the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and other related ordinances and regulations.
• Direct and oversee the preparation and administration of various grants from the State and Federal government; supervise the preparation of applications for City projects for all permits from other governmental agencies.
• Assists the public in understanding the zoning, subdivision, and related development codes.
• Handles sensitive personnel matters
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• General knowledge of modern methods and techniques of community development and planning.
• Ability to read and understand maps and cartographic information to include subdivision plats, zoning maps, utility maps, topographic maps, aerial photographs, assessor maps and data and related information.
• Ability to read, interpret and explain zoning, subdivision, and related ordinances and regulations.
• General knowledge of methods of conducting research and field surveys required for the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and office software, including spreadsheet, word processing, building permit, database management and GIS programs/applications.
• Ability to interpret planning and development programs and activities to boards and commissions, City Council, interested groups and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral, written and graphic reports and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other departments, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, contractors, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Work entails considerable contact with the public, city departments, and other agencies.
• Work assignments are developed in conjunction with the appropriate board or commission and finished plans are subject to review by the board or commission and the city council.
• Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, unleveled grades and heavy vegetated areas for the purposes of site review and maintenance work inspection.
• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively with fellow employees, contractors and the general public by telephones, two-way radios, written form and face to face.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations, ordinances and other written materials.
• Ability to interpret plans, maps and graphic displays of information regarding development proposals.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with staff, officials and stakeholders and to resolve complaints
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the work place or citizens encountered during work.
• Ability to work long hours including attending early morning or evening meetings.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning or closely related field.
• Five years of experience in planning and community development work preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the above knowledge, abilities and skills.
• Three to four years of supervisory experience is often required.
• AICP Certification
• Must possess a valid Iowa driver's license

POTENTIAL BACKGROUND CHECKS INCLUDE:

• Sex Offender Registry
• Criminal Background Check
• Driving Record

This City of Marion is an equal opportunity employer.

We value and celebrate diversity.

Employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.