Job description
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONUnder general supervision to perform a variety of professional planning work including preparing specialized studies and research projects, identifying community needs, and formulating goals, objectives, and policy recommendations based upon professional planning standards.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Planner II and III may supervise and coordinate the work of others involved in planning projects. Planner III may supervise subordinate staff in the absence of the Division Manager.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Planner I
Provide planning assistance at the customer service counter. Receives and determines completeness and acceptability of various types of development permits/applications including land use permits, subdivision plats, conditional use permits, zone change requests, variances, and other permits.
Interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations to the general public.
Assist in resolving citizen and customer issues.
Advise citizens of zoning regulations concerning zoning districts, permitted use, building setback requirements, lot coverage, conditional uses, and site development planning.
Receive telephone calls, emails, and visitors, and consult with the public. Research requests for information; provide detailed, accurate information and advice on planning matters. Interact with professionals associated with planning applications or projects, including surveyors, lawyers, engineers, and architects.
Evaluate or assist in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances, and other proposals.
Review plans and apply provisions of the adopted city ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
Review land use proposals for basic conformance with land use policies and procedures that are contained in the Comprehensive Plan, and other regulatory guidelines. Approves basic ministerial permits involving residential construction, signs, change of use, parking and other similar permits; advises applicants of required land use standards and application contents; refers discretionary land use applications to higher level planning staff.
Conduct routine field investigations to assure compliance with conditions of approval contained in approved land use permits, conditional use permits, and variance and development plans.
Assist other planners with research and planning studies by compiling data and preparing reports.
Receives reports of zoning violations and assists staff in researching cases; compiling reports and enforcing compliance.
Planner II
Prepare, review, and approve site plans.
Collect a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates.
Prepare planning studies and alternative land-use plan proposals for presentation before various City boards and commissions. May make presentations.
Initiate actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
Assists with updates and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and re-zonings.
Provide technical support and guidance to the public, Planning and Zoning Commission, Landmarks Commission and Board of Adjustment. Make recommendations based upon planning knowledge and the specifics of projects.
Planner III
Review project plans and conduct site visits to ensure compliance with local zoning regulations. Assist in the revision of City ordinances concerning land use management, zoning, and subdivisions.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of grant applications and supporting materials and documents.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
Relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired.
Principles and practices of research and data collection.
Effective writing techniques.
Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Ability to:
Develop planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations.
Review or assist in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
Prepare and present detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies.
Create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
Research current literature, information sources, and research techniques in field of urban planning.
Operate audio-visual equipment including camera, microphone, and presentation software. Operate office equipment including computer equipment, copier, and email.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
Operate audio-visual equipment including camera, microphone, and presentation software. Operate audio-visual equipment including camera, microphone, and presentation software.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Planner II
In addition to the qualifications for Planner I:
Knowledge of:
Developed knowledge of planning principles and practices.
Principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
Effective writing techniques.
Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
Ability to:
Conduct extensive research in specific or general project areas.
Write effectively to complete formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
Review and evaluate complex Federal and State rules and regulations and apply them to urban planning programs.
Design research studies, collect, and analyze complex data, and prepare technical reports.
Make independent investigations and present conclusions and recommendations.
Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
Work independently or in a team environment as needed.
Attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups, the general public and media representatives.
Planner III
In addition to the qualifications for Planner I and II:
Knowledge of:
Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices and techniques of planning.
Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as urban design, affordable housing, economic development or land use.
Construction processes.
Principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
Ability to:
Perform advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
Manage complex planning studies, development applications and reviews consultant proposals.
Review and process complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plats.
Conduct research and prepare statistical reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
Provide professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects.
Effectively manage simultaneous projects and meet firm deadlines.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience:
Planner I
This is an entry level position. Previous experience is not required.
Planner II
Two (2) years of experience equivalent to that of a Planner I at the City of Abilene is required.
Must have successfully passed one of the following:
New Urbanism certification offered the Congress for New Urbanism or ICC Zoning inspector certification is required.
Planner III
In addition to the above:
Three (3) years of experience equivalent to that of a Planner II at the City of Abilene.
Successfully obtained:
APA certified planner certification is preferred (AICP) or ICC Zoning Inspector certification.
Planner I, II, III
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or GED is required.
An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree supplemented with course work in urban planning, architecture, office management, business management, or a related field is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver’s license is required; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, and twist.
With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Exposure to the heat and cold of outdoors.
Ability to travel to different work sites.
shipshapebody.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, shipshapebody.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, shipshapebody.com is the ideal place to find your next job.