JOB DESCRIPTION

Knoxville-Knox County Planning is looking for a creative, dedicated, and experienced professional to join our team. This is an advanced position that is expected to work across multiple agency divisions and with external partners in support of Planning's day-to-day operations and strategic planning efforts. Planning administers development regulations and processes applications for rezonings, plan reviews, subdivisions, and sector plan amendments for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Staff also study community growth patterns and prepare and implement plans that guide City, County, and regional policies.

We don't expect candidates to have experience managing all of these types of efforts, but the ideal candidate will have significant experience overseeing and conducting special projects, planning studies, and development reviews. The candidate must be a team player who can lead and direct staff and support both our external and internal customers. The candidate should have excellent customer service skills to deal comfortably and calmly with the public, developers, partners, and elected and appointed officials.

About the position:

This position will be responsible for managing strategic, long- and short-range projects. The position will work closely with agency leadership to execute Planning's work program by leading and managing strategic planning projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong time management skills, excel in communication, project coordination, and have experience working in local government.

A regular day in this position might involve coordinating the review of key deliverables in support of studies and plans or projects, managing consultants, organizing and staffing stakeholder meetings, presenting project updates, answering questions from the public and developers over the phone and by email, leading public engagement efforts, and preparing reports.

Our workplace is modern and equipped with the latest hardware and software tools to help you be a successful contributor. You will work in a vibrant, growing downtown and live in a community with abundant, world-class natural amenities, a major research university, and a wealth of outdoor and urban activities, southern history, and national events for cycling, mountain-biking, fishing, and other pursuits.

Typical job duties:

• Lead initiatives and projects related to the development of plans, plan implementation, ordinance updates, and process enhancements.
• Perform research, collect and synthesize data, and analyze statistics.
• Conduct site visits.
• Prepare recommendations for agency leadership, Planning Commission, City Council, and County Commission.
• Represent the agency at interdepartmental meetings and perform staff work for committees.
• Organize, conduct, and attend community meetings, some of which may occur during evening or weekend hours.
• Meet with engineers, surveyors, developers, property owners, and other constituents and groups.

Skills we are looking for:

• Ability to lead and direct staff.
• High level of personal accountability.
• Experience managing work programs, plans, and projects.
• Ability to coordinate resources, timelines and competing priorities.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with colleagues, both internally and in multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong commitment to public service and community involvement.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Creative thinking.
• Positive attitude.
• Excellent time management.

Minimum qualifications:

Senior Planner

• Master's degree in planning or related field, with four years of relevant experience; or bachelor's degree in planning or related field with six years of relevant experience.

Principal Planner

• Master's degree in planning or related field.
• Six or more years of relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications:

Senior Planner

• Master's degree in planning, with four years of relevant experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Principal Planner

• Five or more years of experience leading large-scale, complex projects, programs, or initiatives.
• Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Salary range:

• Starting salary is dependent on experience.
• Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement with employer match, 13 paid holidays, family leave, and accrued annual and sick leave.

The position may be filled at the Senior Planner or Principal Planner level, depending on qualifications.

How to apply:

Send your resume, cover letter, and three references in PDF format to:

Tina Piatt

employment@knoxplanning.org

It is our policy to contact only those candidates selected for an interview, so be sure to reach out to confirm that your materials were received. Also, a cover letter is an important part of the application packet — incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Our review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Visit Knoxville-Knox County Planning's website to check position status and to learn more about our agency.

BENEFITS

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement with employer match, 13 paid holidays, family leave, and accrued annual and sick leave.

BENEFITS

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement with employer match, 13 paid holidays, family leave, and accrued annual and sick leave.