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 advanced professional level duties in the development, implementation and modification of City plans and regulations; provide planning and development services in the coordination and management of the City's major planning efforts; plan, organize and supervise the work of staff responsible for plan and permitting services; develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures to administer current plan and permitting programs and associated ordinances.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Planning Manager.
Exercises direct supervision over professional and para-professional staff.
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 complex planning and development review of subdivisions, site plans, right-of-way and easement vacations, zoning requests, annexations, code amendments, and other permits or processes to ensure compliance with all requirements; provide recommendations on development proposals; assist developers to ensure all requirements are in compliance with established time frames; inspect development sites to ensure compliance; coordinate the development review process with staff and participating City departments to ensure performance measures are met.
2. Exercise direct supervision over professionals and para-professionals responsible for providing customer service on land use matters and processing land development applications consistent with the Grand Junction Zoning and Development Code and Grand Junction Municipal Code; establish schedules and methods for providing services; identify resource needs and allocate resources accordingly.
3. Participate in the selection of assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
4. Provide information and assistance to City staff, the public, and consultants/developers regarding City plans, zoning matters and development requirements; conduct meetings with engineers, developers, architects, public and City staff regarding the development process and requirements.
5. Recommend and assist in the implementation of departmental and City-wide goals and objectives; develop and implement approved policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
6. Participate in code administration; interpret City ordinances, zoning and development codes, and state and federal regulations regarding community development; conduct research of applicable statutes/regulations and other planning examples; review and write text amendments; propose ordinances, policies, and guidelines related to zoning and development.
7. Present at work sessions, meetings and public hearings before the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council; present to local organizations, service groups and professional organizations; provide staffing to the Zoning Board of Appeals in the preparation of agendas and the conduct of meetings.
8. Serve as a liaison with and coordinate assigned planning activities with other City divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
9. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and planning.
10. Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of community planning and development.
Advanced principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, and development.
Principles and practice of project management.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and 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.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
City development review procedures and requirements.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
Effectively manage staff and delegate tasks and authority.
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned planning and support staff.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations based on findings.
Serve as project manager for complex planning projects or studies.
Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards, procedures.
Prepare and maintain reports, correspondence, and records with accuracy.
Present technical data, in verbal, written, graphic and map form, to a variety of boards and commissions.
Assign, coordinate, and assure proper completion of multiple planning projects simultaneously.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze situations accurately; implement and/or oversee an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Operate a computer and various software applications applicable to application processing; plan design and review.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Exercise sound independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible urban planning and development experience.
One year of supervisory 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.
License or Certificate:
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver's license.
Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certification (AICP).
Possession of, or ability to obtain, the City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The classification is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Local Travel.
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 daily:
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 and have the ability to walk on uneven ground when conducting site visits.