Senior Planner

Position Summary Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a professional mid-level management planning position involving analytical and project management tasks within the Planning Department. An employee assigned to this position may participate in the preparation and administration of amendments to the comprehensive plan and land development regulations, as well as the review of development applications. Work involves the utilization of planning and zoning principles and methodology in the formulation and implementation of various zoning studies, reports, projects and recommendations. An employee in this position independently reviews proposals and applications such as comprehensive plan text and future land use amendments, site plans, annexations, rezonings, planned unit developments, conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, building permits and plats. Work is performed with independence on zoning methods and procedures, supervising subordinate personnel, as well as assigning and reviewing work products. Work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Planning Director.

• Prepares special studies as directed, draft and comprehensive plan and land development regulations.
• Reviews and supervises the review of development plans, landscape plans, vegetation protection plans, and related plans and documents.
• Plans and schedule work programs including establishing timeframes for completion of work.
• Leads and prepares letters, memos, and reports applications including drafting ordinances and resolutions, making recommendations and drafting conditions of approval in consultation with the Planning Director.
• Prepares and/or reviews comprehensive plan and land development regulations amendments.
• Reviews, prepares, and makes presentations on zoning or planning applications to the City Planning Board, Historic Preservation Board and the City Commission meetings and public hearings.
• Attends and offers public testimony on code enforcement cases in front of the Special Magistrate.
• Reviews and supervises the review of site plans and related technical drawings for compliance with the land development regulations, including landscape plan, and prepares conditions of approval as warranted.
• Supervises and answer questions from the public and development agents regarding zoning or planning.
• Reviews research on emerging planning and zoning topics, including collecting pertinent data.
• Prepares written reports with recommendations and findings for the boards.
• Prepares written reports and analysis for special studies, policy development and other projects for review by the planning director.
• Draft ordinances, resolutions and formal procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, methods, and practices of planning, zoning, environmental, ecological, landscape design and engineering principles.
• Knowledge of the relationship between the comprehensive plan, land development regulations and design review processes.
• Ability to supervise the preparation of planning and zoning studies and to formulate recommendations for planning standards.
• Ability to identify, organize and analyze information and formulate recommendations and findings.
• Ability to express concepts clearly and concisely through graphic, oral and written communication.
• Ability to effectively supervise assigned professional, technical and clerical employees.
• Skills to prepare written reports and make public presentations
• Ability to identify, analyze and recommend changes to relatively complex plans and technical drawings in accordance with code requirements
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with subordinates, superiors, professionals and the public.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to provide high levels of customer service to the public.

Education and/or Experience:

A master's degree in urban and/or regional planning, along with one (1) year of planning experience, is preferred; Alternatively, graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in urban or regional planning or a closely related field, combined with three (3) years of professional planning experience, is acceptable; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience is also considered.

Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.