Principal Planner - Planning and Development

JOB SUMMARY

Under nominal direction, oversees and directs the activities of other planning staff responsible for performing planning assignments, and acts as project manager and project coordinator on current planning activities, including preparing and presenting staff reports and ordinance revisions and providing technical planning and zoning assistance to the public and city departments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Manage and supervise planners and planning teams responsible for assignments of current planning activities, preparing and presenting staff reports, ordinance revisions and providing technical planning and zoning assistance to the public and city departments to ensure the city’s policies and standards are met.
• Process development and related land use permit applications, development plans, plats, variance applications; examine applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state, or federal regulation;

solicit input from appropriate staff, schedule hearing and actions, monitor through the approval process, enforce compliance with regulations.

Collaborate with the Planning Manager to effectively lead, manage, work with and coordinate the recommendations of other departments, divisions, and groups, both internal and external, in the review of zoning and development applications, long range plans, and special reports;

fill in for the Planning Manager during absences.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Respond to various inquiries (e.g., other departments, citizens, committees / commissions, City Council, local authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, developers, architects, land planning professionals) regarding specific projects in order to expedite services by providing technical and professional information, assistance, and guidance regarding planning, economic development, and community development.
• Timely administer the zoning process, platting process, variances, special exceptions, and related activities according to established procedures, applicable statutes and performance expectations of the Department.
• Research and develop project objectives, development programs, design guidelines, review criteria, and budgets based on Council priorities, the Department’s work plan, and public input.
• Facilitate meetings of the Planning and Zoning commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, community groups, other city departments, consultants, and City Council when assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required :

• Advanced knowledge of the fundamental principles, concepts, practices and theories of urban planning; including ability to train staff on same.
• Knowledge and experience related to comprehensive and neighborhood planning principles, urban background check.
• Knowledge and experience related to GIS, and ability to create maps and prepare audio-visual presentations.
• Knowledge and experience related to research methodology and techniques for organizing and analyzing complex data, including computer applications related to project management, spreadsheet, database and word processing programs.
• Knowledge and experience related to federal and state laws and regulations relating to planning, zoning, site planning and urban development, including ability to train staff on same.
• Proven skill to effectively work with other city employees, the public, consultants, Boards, Commissions and City Council by oral, graphic, and written means.
• Proven skill in researching, analyzing, and generating data and formulating conclusions and recommendations, including ability to train staff on same.
• Proven skill in presenting complex issues to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, other boards and commissions, and the general public.
• Ability to thoroughly and comprehensively evaluate all aspects of subdivision plats, development plans, and zoning cases, including ability to train staff on same.
• Ability to write reports that require limited editing, and evaluate demographic, zoning, economic, geographic and infrastructure information.
• Ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary and diverse project teams.
• Ability to supervise professional and technical employees, including planning, organizing, and scheduling their workload and priorities.
• Ability to initiate, design, coordinate and manage planning projects and to coordinate multi-departmental projects.
• Ability to show competency in possessing a working knowledge of the internal processes, ordinances and policies of the department.

Qualifying Education and Experience :

• Bachelor's Degree in urban and regional planning, geography / GIS, political science / public administration, architecture, environmental science, landscape architecture, business or related field plus six (6) years related experience including one (1) year progressively responsible supervisory experience;
• Or a Master's Degree in urban and regional planning, geography / GIS, political science / public administration, architecture, environmental science, landscape architecture, business, or related field and four years related experience including one (1) year progressively responsible supervisory experience.

AICP required within two (2) years of employment.

Employment Screenings Required :

• Criminal background check
• Motor Vehicle Review (MVR)
• Drug and Alcohol screens
30+ days ago