Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Perform professional level duties and responsibilities in the development, implementation and modification of City plans and regulations; provide public assistance, planning and development services, and liaison to other organizations, agencies, consultants, and developers; and perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class within the Planner series. Employees within this class perform the full range of duties as assigned. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter performs the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within the series including complex planning, project management duties or providing lead direction to lower level professional and technical staff.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Zoning Supervisor.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Perform professional level duties in the development, implementation and modification of city plans and regulations.
2. Provide information and assistance to City staff, the general public, and consultants/developers regarding City plans, zoning matters and development requirements; conduct pre-application meetings with engineers, developers, architects, general public and City staff regarding the development process and requirements.
3. Perform planning and development review of subdivision site plans, vacations and other permits of processes to ensure compliance with all requirements; provide recommendations on development proposals; assist developers to ensure all requirements are complied with in established time frames; inspect development sites to ensure compliance.
4. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and planning regulations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
5. Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and applications for state and federal funds; administer and monitor programs and grant funds to achieve stated goals; prepare grant status reports as required.
6. Participate in code administration; interpret City ordinances, zoning and development codes, and state and federal regulations regarding community development; conduct research of applicable statues/regulations and other planning examples.
7. Conduct field site inspections to gather data relevant to development projects and verify that the development complies with approved plans.
8. Assist with planning studies to gather data for evaluating long range and special planning and studies in the community; research applicable statutes, laws, and regulations to identify planning guidelines and restrictions placed on local planning activities by state and federal authorities.
9. Compile and analyze statistical and descriptive data; prepare tables, graphs, and narratives.
10. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and planning.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a community planning and development program.
General principles and practices of urban planning, zoning and development.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Development review procedures and requirements.
Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform professional level duties in the development, implementation and modification of city plans and regulations.
Interpret, apply and explain pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, grant programs, codes and regulations.
Process routine development applications and coordinate necessary communication between staff, developer, and other agencies.
Analyze site design, terrain constraints, circulations, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements and correspondence.
Utilize specialized computer applications applicable to planning design and review.
Present technical data, in verbal, written, graphic and map form, to a variety of boards and commissions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
One year of responsible professional urban planning and zoning experience.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The classification is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the classification’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.