Assistant Planner (Planner I)

The Assistant Planner (Planner I) position that focuses on Community and Economic Development is involved with urban planning, assessment of housing needs and revitalization projects. This is an entry level and moderately responsible administrative and technical position in the Planning & Development Department. This employee works with little to moderate supervision and may make limited decisions concerning the department. The position has considerable interface with all departments of the City, City Council, and the development and business community. This position assists in enabling the city to develop in an orderly manner to promote and protect public health, safety, comfort, and general welfare.

 

The employee should be familiar with all phases of City government and should have knowledge of City ordinances pertaining to matters related to the Department, particularly the Planning and Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan. The employee should have advanced computer skills and knowledge of City procedures, including purchasing and procurement. This employee is required to coordinate and effectively manage large quantities of hard copy and electronic records, ensuring that these are accurately stored, organized, updated and easily located. The position works directly with the public and therefore must have the ability to effectively and politely greet and assist office visitors and manage similar correspondence. The individual in this position should be capable of developing new approaches to increase individual and department performance and be conscientious of the need for accuracy and timeliness in completing assignments and projects. The position has managerial competence, maturity of judgment and strong personal leadership as well as an eye for detail while keeping the “big picture” in perspective.

 

Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations; Prepares and presents detailed reports on community and neighborhood projects to government bodies; Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates; Assists in identifying and preparing grant applications and the administration of those applications; Assists communities and neighborhoods in the development of community and infrastructure projects by securing funding from various public and private sources; Assists in developing community and neighborhood related projects to improve social, economic, and physical well-being of residents and stakeholders; Assists in updating GIS data and systems; Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans; Coordinates community review of public and private development projects; Provides information to the public regarding development regulations; Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues; Oversees the work of consultants and interns; Conducts field evaluations and assessments; Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings; Other duties as assigned.

 

 

The incumbent of this position works directly under the supervision of the Director of Planning and Development.

 

 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning; Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired; Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection; Knowledge of effective writing techniques; Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations; Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and database management; GIS programs and applications preferred; Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public; Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns; Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously; Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed; Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind; Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities; Extensive knowledge of the function, procedures, organization and regulations of City government and the Planning and Zoning Code; thorough knowledge of business English, spelling and commercial arithmetic; general knowledge of accounting methods and familiarity with the budget process; extensive knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment; good typing skills; ability to compose a variety of correspondence and memoranda with only general instructions; Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, ability to make responsible decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures; ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, public officials, and the general public, and to deal with public relations problems and complaints courteously and tactfully.

 

 

The ideal candidate will have a background in community planning and development; will demonstrate that they have an exceptional ability to develop positive relationships with a variety of community, business, and government organizations; and is a self-motivated, innovative leader with excellent communication and presentation skills who is willing to occupy a highly visible position in the community. In addition, the candidate should be proficient with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Adobe Acrobat.

 

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in urban planning or a closely-related field is required. A minimum of 6 months of professional work experience in the planning field is preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license.

 

 

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The noise level in the work environment is that of a typical office. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time; use hands and fingers to file, write, answer phone and for use of computer keyboard, copy machine and other miscellaneous office equipment. Employee must be able to reach with hands and arms; talk clearly, hear and be able to speak publicly. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is primarily conducted indoors; however, there will also be occasions where the work will be outdoors.