General Summary

The City of Pontiac is seeking a highly responsible and organized person to join the City's Planning & Zoning team.

Under the direct supervision of the Planning Manager, the Senior Planner performs advanced-level planning work, assists the administration, aids with updating the Master Plan, Zoning Map, or other Planning-related documents, generates detailed planning reports, and performs advanced-level GIS mapping and analysis. The incumbent will also review residential site plans and commercial plans for compliance with the provisions of the City Zoning Code and issue Certificates of Zoning Compliance for construction. The Senior Planner will help to answer the planning and zoning questions of the general public and assists applicants through the site plan review process. While not a management position, the successful candidate may assist with training and review of other planners' work within the Division. General knowledge of urban design, planning law, architecture, landscape architecture, and historic preservation principles is important. Ability to multitask; supervise multiple projects and meet deadlines. Other duties as assigned.

This is a hands-on position with some project management expectations that will work side by side with Building Safety, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development. The position serves as the staff liaison for the Planning Commission and may have some additional work with the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Historic District Commission, and various other commissions, committees, and boards.

The City is currently completing a Master Plan process, Vision Pontiac, and this position may be involved in some tasks or projects that involve the implementation of the plan.

A successful candidate will have the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public during challenging situations, have excellent communication skills, be well organized, and bring fresh ideas to the team. The city has a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial development with great opportunities for adaptive reuse and infill projects.

Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives, and policies. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.

Employee must maintain regular attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate must have strong research, technical, computer, communication, and public interaction skills with a passion for collaboration. The candidate should possess a strong emotional intelligence to handle a fast-paced local government environment.

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a four (4) year accredited college or university with a degree in urban and regional planning, land-use planning, economic development, public administration, or a closely related field. Requires a minimum of six (6) years of experience with a government planning agency. A Master's Degree from an accredited university may substitute two (2) years of experience.

Technical skills in Adobe Design Software, ESRI GIS software, and permitting software is not required but preferred.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.

Valid Michigan Driver's License or the ability to obtain one at the time of hire.

Bilingual Spanish speaking individual not required but preferred.