HOT!Senior Planner

Experience in urban, community, or regional planning or zoning administration to include five (5) years at a public agency.

Definition: Under direction by the Planning Director, directs, manages, and coordinates the assigned day- to-day planning programs and activities within the Planning department. Coordinates assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the highest-level class in the Planner series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner, Assistant Planner, and Planning Technician by the performance of management duties, including, but not limited to, scheduling and project assignment to the lower-level planners within the department.

Essential Functions: (Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions.)

1. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Prepares clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
2. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for the department; assigns work activities, projects, and programs.
3. Reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
4. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of department’s methods and procedures; recommends appropriate service and staffing levels.
5. Assists in the selection of professional, technical, and support staff and ensure effective morale, productivity, and discipline.
6. Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the activities of staff.
7. Participates in the development and administration of the division budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
8. Conducts and supervises planning studies in the community; directs data collection for evaluating current and advance planning projects. Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the general public to acquire information and coordinate planning and zoning matters.
9. Reviews complex development proposals and works with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site plans.
10. Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations.
11. Presents to Planning Commission, City Council, Community Groups, and outside agencies.
12. Responds to both internal and external customers with professional etiquette and deliver excellent customer service.

Qualifications for Employment: (KSA’s are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.)

Knowledge, and Abilities:

 Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of an urban planning or zoning administration program;
• Advanced principles and practices of zoning administration;
• Advanced principles and practices of research, analysis, and report writing;
• Advanced principles and practices of urban design;
• Advanced principles and practices of urban planning and development;
• Current land use planning policies, laws, and statutes;
• General municipal powers and authority relating to planning and zoning;
• Capabilities and uses of geographic information systems;
• Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning;
• Advanced site planning, landscape design, and architectural design techniques, practices, and methods;
• Management skills to analyze programs, policies, and operational needs;
• Principles and practices of program development and administration;
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration;
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computers necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management; and
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, recommend or approve best options and ensure staff implements approved solutions in support of goals;
• Distinguish political sensitivities and inter-relationships in the local community and adjust operations accordingly;
• Respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• Driver’s License
• Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation within two years of the date of appointment.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge and ability is:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, environmental sciences, public administration, geography, or a field related to the essential functions. A Master’s degree in planning or public administration is strongly preferred. Increasingly responsible experience in urban, community or regional planning or zoning administration to include five (5) years at a public agency.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods. Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, and other materials. Some reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to access files and records is necessary. The ability to communicate via telephone and in person. Light lifting (up to 25 pounds) is occasionally required. Extended periods of standing may be required when at a specific work site.

In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodation may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodation. Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed under the following conditions.

The majority of work is conducted in an office environment. Work may occasionally be performed outside with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, dampness, cold, heat, and loud noises. Position may require travel by car from the office to a work site.