A DAY IN THE LIFE AS A SENIOR PLANNER

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, conducts varied planning activities in current and comprehensive planning; reviews major and minor development proposals for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance, City policies, and other regulations; performs administrative review and supervisory functions for the Planning Department; assists the City Planner in processing planning and zoning applications, zoning board of adjustment applications, plats; and performs related work as required. This position reports directly to the Planning Manager.

Supervisory Functions:

Receives administrative direction from the Planning Manager and may exercise supervision over assigned professional, technical and clerical staff, as directed by the Planning Manager. Assist with the coordination and evaluation of the urban planning function (Comprehensive Planning and Current Planning.) Responsibilities include preparation of communication reports for the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, development proposals, and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Essential Functions

• Regular and timely attendance at work.
• Assist the City Planner with daily operations of the Planning Department.
• In the City Planner's absence, serve as the staff liaison to the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Process zone change, variance, and subdivision plat applications; prepare public notices and conduct property ownership research. Assist the City Planner in the preparation of agendas, public hearing notices, and scheduling of planning and zoning applications.
• Review site plans, variance, zone changes, staff reports, and similar planning applications; conduct public hearings and presents findings and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments and City Council.
• Resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing; respond to local citizens inquiring about planning and zoning regulations and ordinances, and resolve disputes between planners, program manager and applicants as necessary.
• Provide staff support to various boards and commissions, as needed and assigned; serve when needed as a member of a task force or committee composed of city, county, state or private groups.
• Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provide advice and information to City staff, the general public, and developers regarding land use codes, regulations, and requirements; clarify and ensure conformance to City codes and regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive written staff reports on assigned projects and recommend courses of action; conduct site visits and field investigations as required; make oral presentations to City Council, City Commissions and Boards, and citizen groups.
• Prepare long range plans, special reports, studies, and correspondence as required; recommend changes to City codes, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinate planning and zoning administration activities for the City Planner.
• Coordinate the work of consultants engaged in Comprehensive Plan updates, and other special projects.
• Substitute for the City Planner as necessary.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.