Job Details

Pay: $2,277.60 min to $2,732.80 mid bi-weekly

Under general supervision, the purpose of this position is to review and analyze current planning proposals and to provide recommendations to appointed and elected officials. Additionally, this position acts as the primary City representative facilitating the navigation of City development requirements and processes for development projects. The Planner position also performs tasks related to long-range planning when needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and acts as primary point-of-contact for architecture, planning and engineering consultants, and the Planning and Development Department staff.
• Conducts and coordinates reviews of site plans, plats, (re)zonings, specific use permits, and other cases as assigned.
• Prepares staff reports and makes recommendations on cases including, but not limited to, plats, (re)zonings, specific use permits, and site plans for the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council and other boards and commissions.
• Assists developers, architects, engineers, consultants, and other agencies, including community groups to explain and interpret the City's design requirements, codes, specifications, and processes.
• Serves to educate the public on City development and construction standards. Meets with property owners to explain plans and promote good public relations; meets and provides information in agency meetings.
• Enforces the rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures for a wide variety of municipal planning activities.
• Works with and assists the Planning and Development Manager; researches and provides data on land use issues and related subjects; investigates complaints as assigned.
• Compiles and analyzes data; assists in the review of development proposals, permit applications, planning and zoning changes, variance requests, and technical documents.
• Assists in the development, drafting and implementation of policies and regulations related to growth and development.
• Works with the GIS Division as necessary to ensure that the zoning and land use maps are updated as ordinances are approved that change the zoning and future land use.
• Works with the GIS Division to track adjustments in parcel information as property is subdivided.
• Coordinates the implementation of development standards, policies and the Comprehensive Plan amongst city staff and departments.
• Performs field inspections of development property, from site visits during application review to final Certificate of Occupancy inspections.
• Attends development related meetings as needed or required.
• Coordinates the City's participation in public forums and other means of community input related to development and redevelopment.
• Helps ensure applicant's concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
• Prepares agendas, presentations, take minutes, schedules, and coordinates meetings for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Homeowners Associations, Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Council, and other boards/commissions as needed.
• Attends Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and Zoning Board of Adjustment, as well as other development-related meetings held after normal business hours as needed.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City by ensuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Responds outside of normally scheduled work hours in response to special events, natural disasters, emergencies, or critical incidents as determined by the City.
• Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively.
• Regular and consistent attendance is essential; attendance is a factor in continued employment with the City.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.
• AND a minimum of one (1) year of professional and progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector including, local government planning and development, redevelopment, or other closely related experience.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
• AICP certification from the American Planning Association required within 12 months of meeting the eligibility requirements.

Required Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Principles of urban planning, community development, land use and permitting.
• Federal and State laws, rules and regulations affecting planning and land use.
• City land use and development regulations, zoning codes, planning concepts and principles.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Knowledge of public land development and public policy; construction practices and techniques; municipal ordinance interpretation; and development review.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job. Ideal candidate will have knowledge of, including but not limited to, TRAKiT (or other permitting/project management software), Bluebeam Revu (or other pdf collaborative review software), and ArcGIS systems.

• Researching, compiling, and analyzing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials, preparing reports for planning projects.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Collect, evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data and/or information using established criteria. Includes exercise of discretion in determining actual or probable consequences, and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to read, check designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of development projects.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software (Microsoft Office Suite and presentation software)
• Read and interpret spatial data using GIS software.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, consultants, and general public.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimum direction.
• Ability to speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret codes and regulations.
• Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
• Ability to conduct research to solve abstract or unspecified problems.
• Skill to perform semi-skilled coordinated movements, such as performing data entry on a computer, operating a vehicle, and utilizing an engineering and architect scale.
• Flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is mostly performed in an office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. However, the applicant is expected to make occasional site visits to development projects which may expose the applicant to noise, dust, dirt, and inclement weather.
• Must be able to work well under pressure and stress; handle multiple tasks; prioritize and organize work assignments; make competent decisions; maintain confidential matters; and always maintain a pleasant and friendly demeanor.
• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lb.) 10-20% of work time.
• The typical business hours for this position are 7:30am – 5:30pm (M-Th); 7:30am-11:30am (Friday)
• This position regularly attends meetings after normal business hours (5:30pm).
• This position may be required to attend meetings and conferences located outside of the City/State.