Job Abstract

Position is subject to budget approval for Fiscal Year 24/25

Are you a seasoned planner with a track record of leading complex projects and shaping community development? We are seeking a Senior Planner to join our dynamic team, bringing at least four years of experience in public sector planning to the table.

As a Senior Planner, you will play a pivotal role in advancing both current and long-range planning initiatives within our organization. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating diverse challenges and opportunities in urban development. You will serve as a project manager for multiple high-priority projects, exercising independence and judgment under general supervision.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who excels in a fast-paced, evolving planning environment. You possess an understanding of advanced planning principles and regulations, leveraging technical expertise to deliver innovative solutions. Your exceptional project management skills ensure timely and efficient project completion, even amidst complexity.

Communication is key in this role. You are adept at conveying complex ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in verbal presentations or written reports. Your collaborative approach fosters teamwork and knowledge-sharing across departments, enhancing our collective effectiveness.

Supervisory responsibilities are integral to this position. You will mentor, train, and evaluate lower-level planning staff, nurturing talent and promoting professional growth within our team. Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to navigate conflicts constructively, fostering a positive work environment where diverse perspectives contribute to robust solutions.

If you are ready to make a significant impact on our community’s growth and development, we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of our city, where your expertise and leadership will play a pivotal role in achieving our planning goals.

This position performs a variety of advanced level professional duties and responsibilities in support of assigned City planning unit or functional area; plans coordinates and manages multiple complex projects in the area(s) of assignment; and provides responsible staff assistance to the Assistant Director, Community Development and the Director, Community Development.

• Performs complex and sensitive duties related to area of assignment including planning, coordination, and review of project activities related to assigned program or functional area; manages multiple project schedules; expedites and tracks progress; provides status updates to management, other departments, and outside organizations on projects.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts complex research studies; performs data collection; prepares complex reports and analysis; coordinates work of consultants preparing reports; prepares and provides program area recommendations.
• Prepares and presents complex staff reports, formal presentations, and recommendations at community meetings, advisory boards, and public hearings including to the City Council, Planning Commission, Community Development Commission, regulatory agencies, local committees, and neighborhood groups.
• Manages and administers consultant contracts; develops and negotiates scope of work; establishes timeframes; ensures adequate funding; prepares contracts; provides direction to consultant; reviews technical studies and environmental documents prepared by consultants to ensure accuracy, completion in a timely manner, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Coordinates and assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines related to assigned program area; reviews reports, data, and correspondence for compliance with City, regional, state, and federal policies and guidelines; recommends policy and procedural changes.
• Prepares and participates in the preparation of new or revised City ordinances and policies; researches ordinances and policies in other jurisdictions; proposes and outlines alternatives and options available to the City.
• Participates in the preparation of the Department's annual budget; forecasts funds needed in area of assignment; monitors expenditures of assigned funds; implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Identifies funding resources and completes grant applications to assist in the implementation of the assigned activities.
• Serves as technical resource and provides support to City departments, City staff, and outside agencies related to assigned program area; provides information and assistance to developers, architects, engineers, property owners, the public, other departments, and outside agencies regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements; investigates and responds to complaints.
• Resolves discrepancies or procedural problems and responds to program administration and/or delivery questions; confers with and advises staff and internal and external customers by providing advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions, and interpretation of program goals and policy.
• Monitors and ensures City compliance with local, state, and federal laws, guidelines, and standards governing planning and related activities.
• Coordinates with local, state, federal, and private institutions regarding program area of assignment.
• Advises developers regarding development applications and process; interprets and explains ordinances, regulations, and policies regarding development practices; provides suggestions for improved designs for developments; prepares applications for review by the Planning Commission including preparation of staff reports, conditions, and environmental review.
• Performs field and site surveys and inspections; monitors the development and reconstruction of buildings and facilities.
• Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the fields related to area of assignment; monitors legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques; evaluates their impact on City operations and recommends policy and procedural improvements; attends and participates in professional group meetings; participates in professional development activities; reads publications relevant to area of assignment.
• As assigned, provides outreach, education, monitoring, and contact with persons, non-profits, private developers, and housing agencies regarding affordable housing; prepares housing affordability agreements; coordinates with developers, homebuyers, and lenders to implement housing programs; reviews loan programs and notifies lenders if loan product is not appropriate.
• As assigned, manages contracts for Community Development Block Grant programs and the inclusionary housing programs; coordinates with non-profits, developers, government officials, realtors, lenders, and citizens.
• As assigned, assists in redevelopment activities including in project design and development activities; assists in the planning, preparation, and execution of special City sponsored events including completion celebrations.
• As assigned, implements special projects including unique and complex projects such as public art, public building, and park design projects; develops special arts projects including development of concept, initial design, preparation of working drawings, procurement, selection, and management of private contractors for fabrication and execution of art pieces, and conduct of final review and approval.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program.
• Theory, principles and practices of urban planning, community development, and revitalization.
• Advanced principles, practices, and techniques of current and advanced planning including land use, environmental policy analysis, municipal service delivery, physical design, landscape architecture, demographics, and economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning.
• Organization and functions of various agencies involved in the planning processes.
• Basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Principles and practices used in building, architecture, and engineering.
• Development review procedures and requirements.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions, and applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Recent developments, current literature, research methods, and sources of information related to municipal planning, urban growth, and development.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies.
• Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
• Customer service techniques, practices, and principles.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

• Independently perform advanced professional level planning duties in the development, implementation, and modification of City plans and regulations.
• Apply policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process.
• Provide supervision and training to assigned contractors.
• Serve as project manager on multiple projects.
• Prioritize multiple projects.
• Staff and manage assigned commissions and committees.
• Interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives.
• Interpret planning programs to the general public.
• Analyze projects and potential projects for consistency with planning regulations, general planning principles, and architectural quality.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Ensure project compliance with state, federal, and local rules, laws, and regulations.
• Participate in coordinating necessary communication between staff, developers, and other agencies.
• Understand, evaluate, and interpret complex technical engineering, architectural, structural, landscape, and topographical plans, maps, and related documents.
• Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
• Present technical data in verbal, written, graphic, and map form to City management staff, citizen groups, and variety of boards and commissions.
• Develop recommendations regarding the use of property.
• Process development applications and coordinate necessary communication between staff, developer, and other agencies.
• Read, analyze, and interpret information from professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, council members, committee and commission members, and the general public.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective solutions.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.