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 a broad range and advanced set of professional level duties associated with various aspects of the City’s Community Development program such as the development, implementation and modification of City plans and regulations; provide planning and development services, processing complex land use applications, informing the public of planning regulations and procedures, conducting research and analysis for a variety of planning activities, drafting land use code, zoning map and Comprehensive Plan amendments. The position may also be responsible for being a liaison to various board and commissions such as historic preservation, urban trails, and planning commission. This position may also coordinate the City’s efforts in sustainability. The position will provide public assistance and liaison to other organizations, agencies, consultants, and developers; ensure adherence to City and mandated rules, regulations, codes, ordinances and standards; and perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility. The position must work well independently and with teams while providing excellent, respectful customer service and human relations skills which support the City of Grand Junctions’ core values.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey level class in the Planner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including complex planning project management activities. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Community Development Director.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Provide customer service by providing information and assistance to City staff, the general public, and consultants/developers regarding City plans, zoning matters and development requirements; conduct meetings with engineers, developers, architects, general public and City staff regarding the development process and requirements, conducted in person, via telephone or internet.
2. Perform advanced professional level duties in the development, implementation and modification of City plans and regulations.
3. Act as a case coordinator on complex land use cases, which include: consultation with the applicant, neighborhood outreach, posting, publishing, coordination with other departments and service providers.
4. Review, interpret and analyze applications with respect to the City's regulations, compliance with zoning requirements, requirements of service providers, and good planning practices.
5. Perform complex planning and development review.
6. Write staff reports, resolutions and ordinances for land use cases which typically include: background research, a thorough analysis and staff recommendations.
7. Advise citizens, applicants, other department staff and Board and Commission members on zoning and planning regulations, and policies and procedures.
8. Conduct background research and assists in the preparation of reports for short-term, long-term, and special projects as assigned.
9. Attend meetings and makes presentations to appropriate boards or commissions including the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission and City Council.
10. Serve as a staff liaison to various boards, commissions and/or committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and policies; prepare agendas, prepare and present staff reports and other technical or necessary correspondence; provide staff input and recommendations.
11. May negotiate and recommends agreements with applicants in matters related to development proposals.
12. Draft and process amendments to the City's Land Use Code, Zoning Map, and Comprehensive Plan.
13. Assist in the training of junior members of the Community Development Department
14. Prepare grant proposals for state and federal funds; administer and monitor programs and grant funds to achieve stated goals; prepare grant status reports as required.
15. Process annexation petitions; coordinate annexation petition/annexation legal description and impacts of annexation with other City departments; complete annexation impact report and determine statutory compliance with State annexation laws.
16. Conduct and/or act as project manager for long range and special planning studies in the community; gather data for evaluating current and advance planning projects; research applicable statutes, laws, and regulations to identify planning guidelines and restrictions placed on local planning activities by state and federal authorities.
17. Coordinate and conduct research; compile and analyze statistical and descriptive data; prepare tables, graphs, maps, and narratives.
18. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new innovations and trends in the field of community development and planning.
19. Coordinate and implement City and community-wide sustainability initiatives.
20. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a community planning and development program.
Advanced principles and practices of urban planning, zoning and development.
Principles and practice of project management.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
Principles and practices of grant funding and contract administration.
Principles and practice of zoning ordinance administration and enforcement.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
City development review procedures and requirements.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Historic preservation laws, regulations, and programs.
Transportation planning principles and practices.
Sustainability techniques, principles and practices.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform advanced professional level duties in the development, implementation and modification of city plans and regulations.
Provide staff support to assigned commissions or committees.
Interpret, apply, and explain pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, grant programs, codes and regulations.
Process 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.
Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards, procedures.
Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements and correspondence.
Present technical data, in verbal, written, graphic and map form, to a variety of boards and commissions.
Serve as project manager for complex planning projects or studies.
Utilize specialized computer applications applicable to planning design and review.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible urban planning and development experience.
Training:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s 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; exposure to computer screens.
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.