Senior Planner

Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of professional planning assignments in the Development Services Department as required and directed by the Development Services Director. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and includes the ability to effectively apply professional planning methods, policies, procedures, and legal requirements to an array of technical planning assignments. Work is typically performed under the general supervision of the Chief Planner and may be performed in a team led by a Senior Planner.

• Reviews and processes complex development applications with a high level of difficulty for conformance with all City requirements including comprehensive plan amendments, re-zonings, developments of regional impact, notice of proposed change applications, annexations, site plans, plats, abandonments, etc., and presents findings and recommendations to staff, the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports with a high degree of independence to the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council related to complex development applications and amendments to regulatory documents, requirements and code associated with a variety of land development matters.
• Acts as a project manager and liaison with a high degree of independence in the processing of complex development applications including meeting with and working in partnership with petitioners, staff from multiple departments, and members of the public.
• Prepares staff’s comments and recommendations on development applications to the Planning Advisory Review.
• Communicates with project applicants and members of the public throughout the development review process, regarding all aspects of that process and information related to assigned development applications.
• Prepares presentation materials and presents findings and recommendations to the Department, advisory boards, and City Council.
• Prepares and/or updates elements of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances as directed.
• Independently conducts research and analysis and prepares statistical data on land use, physical, social, and economic issues as assigned.
• Prepares project scopes of services and manages complex planning studies and reviews consultant proposals, recommends selection, and supervises consultant contracts.
• Is familiar with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and prepares amendments and updates to the Plan.
• Responds to public inquiries for information.
• Answers questions from the public, developers, land development professionals, and others regarding applicable City land development requirements for properties.
•  Performs related tasks as required.

Related tasks:

• Visits proposed development sites and gathers information about on-site field conditions that may impact the analysis of a development application.
• Provides public information; meets with the public; and represents the Department at public meetings, schools, homeowner association meetings and other meetings where City planning and zoning matters are discussed, including development applications.
• Prepares documents, research, technical studies, reports, and presentation materials on variety of planning related topics and applications for the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board and other boards and commissions.
• Conducts research and analysis related to physical, social, and economic issues; and prepares technical studies and reports for the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, and other boards and commissions.
• Reviews building permits and occupational licenses for conformance to land development regulations as needed.
• Reviews architecture and building design elements for compliance with applicable City requirements as assigned.
• Serves as internal resource and mentor for junior level Planners as needed

Knowledge of:

• The philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of city planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, and zoning activities;
• Growth management legislation and comprehensive planning;
• Research methodology and of standard statistical procedures;
• The City Charter and of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning and zoning.

Skilled in:

• Communicating planning and zoning related information regarding development application review, text amendments preparation, and regulatory requirement analysis in oral, written and graphic form, including staff reports, public presentations and meetings with external stakeholders.
• The use of spreadsheet and database applications, data query tools, word processing software, electronic mail, and internet search tools.
• Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.

Ability to:

• Organize and analyze information;
• Present the results of research and analysis effectively in oral, written, and graphic form;
• Obtain and retain American Institute of Certified Planners’ AICP designation
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City officials, community groups, other professionals, and the general public.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban or Regional Planning or related field is required; AND
• Three (3) years of professional planning experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AICP certification is preferred.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, GIS Technology or related field is preferred.

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Education Verification