Planner I

Job Summary

Performs a variety of entry-level professional planning and zoning tasks for urban development needs.

Job Description
 

Overview

The Planner I performs a wide variety of entry-level professional planning and zoning tasks for the urban development of the City.

Planning & Urban Design – Neighborhood Planning:  Leads the development of various planning projects including, but not limited to area plans, corridor plans, and neighborhood plans.  Facilitates and leads engagement meetings with neighborhoods.  Develops agendas, manages logistics, and creates communications materials for public engagement activities and community workshops. Prepares and delivers presentations to the City Plan Commission and neighborhood groups.

Planning and Urban Design – Authorized Hearings:  Primary responsibilities include facilitating city-initiated rezonings (“authorized hearings”). A thorough knowledge of planning and zoning principles is required for this position. The ideal candidate should have some experience writing development code regulations and presenting complicated concepts to people who are unfamiliar with planning practices in a way that brings comprehension and builds consensus. Additionally, this position will help process a wide variety of authorized hearings by engaging community members and stakeholders, aligning their input with the City’s goals to formulate zoning recommendations, and seeing cases through the public hearing process.

Essential Functions

1 Serves as the main point of contact for people that visit the planning office; explains and interprets policies and procedures related to planning applications; answers questions customers may have about zoning and other planning processes; oversees the submission of applications and creates detailed reports to present to City Planning Commission.

2 Compiles and analyzes data for planning purposes in a specialty area and to assist in the formulation of sound planning and design proposals; reviews case applications and route issues to other departments for review; maintains communications with the public and various applicants to ensure effective services.

3 Prepares various documents for others to present to departmental staff, citizens, and other interested groups; edits case reports and related power points; reviews material and verifies information with available datasets.

4 Processes and ensures the appropriate approvals for applications and other intake forms.

5 Meets with citizens and business interest groups to identify problems, goals and objectives, explain programs, and respond to questions.

6 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

1 Knowledge of City policies and procedures.

2 Basic knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of urban planning and design.

3 Ability to do research in an orderly and timely manner.

4 Ability to analyze data, abstract problems, and conceptualize solutions.

5 Ability to understand and follow written and verbal guidelines and instructions.

6 Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

7 Ability to interact with the public and peers in a positive manner.

8 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor's degree in a planning, urban studies/design, architecture, public administration, sociology, geography, engineering, or related field (e.g., historic preservation, architectural history, history, etc.)

LICENSE:  

Valid driver’s license with good driving record.