Description

The following duties, responsibilities and expectations are not necessarily limited to the following and are not enumerated in any particular order or priority.  At any particular time the frequency or duration with which one or more of the following specific duties is performed may vary widely.

1.     In coordination with the Director

a.    Prepare and organize Planning and Zoning Commission meetings and consult with potential developers on projects and Code Changes.  

b.    Administer the Zoning and Sign Ordinances, answering inquiries and coordinating with the public and development community.

c.     Assist in development, maintenance, and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan including researching and developing recommendations to modify/amend city regulations and established policies and preparation of annual review of the Plan with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

d.    Assist in the administration of the Zoning Code; reviews of submitted applications for compliance with applicable zoning and subdivision codes, Architectural Design Guidelines, and applicable land use plan, compiles reports for Planning and Zoning use and review and defines issues.  

2.     Assists general public and departmental clients by responding to essential planning and land use related questions; communication skills (written, verbal, listening and visual) promote effective and professional interactions with the public. 

3.     Performs research, data collection, and analysis; prepares reports and studies; performs special projects as assigned; and makes recommendations to the Director for amendments to the zoning and subdivision codes.

4.     Serves as secondary staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Board of Adjustment, and attends committee, commission, and Board of Aldermen meetings as assigned.

5.     Assist with the review of business licenses for compliance with the Zoning Code. 

6.     Ability to read, interpret, create, and examine technical drawings, maps, diagrams and construction plans.

7.     Serve as backup support for the City’s Permitting and Agenda Management systems for the Planning Department, including the ability to make technical updates to the systems and the City’s website related to division activities, and to coordinate with system support for troubleshooting, updates, and modifications as needed.

8.     Serve as backup for solicitor’s licenses and block party permits.

9.     Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

1.     Thorough knowledge of Federal and State laws, statutes and ordinances governing zoning, building and subdivision development.

2.     Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of zoning, urban design and economic development.

3.     Effective oral and written communication skills

4.     Skill in interpreting and explaining ordinances

5.     Skill in preparing and presenting written and oral reports and documents, including operating various professional equipment.

6.     GIS and Bluebeam skills.

7.     Good computer skills are a necessity, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs.

8.     Ability to research and collect data and perform accurate calculations, to perform sound, analytical analyses, and to make well-reasoned recommendations.

9.     Demonstrates a commitment to his/her public duty and presents oneself as a credible and knowledgeable representative of the city to maintain public trust; builds and maintains positive relationships while serving all internal and external customers using effective communication and teambuilding skills; seeks to actively listen and provides prompt assistance to others; equally treats others with dignity and respect; problem-solves; accepts responsibility for self and work product.

Physical Work Demands

1.     Able to lift 50 pounds

2.     While performing the duties of this job, the employee is consistently required to talk or hear.

3.     Frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls

4.     Occasionally exposed to noise, vibration, mechanical/electrical, and other hazards and dust, fumes, odors, smoke or gases, and on-site conditions of challenging terrain.

Work Environment

1.     Work is typically performed in an office environment with occasional outdoor work as required for inspections of land use developments and construction sites in all weather conditions.

Frequent evenings may be required, and some weekend work as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements – Education, Certification, and Experience

1.     Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy or a related field. 

2.     Two (2) years progressive, responsible experience in municipal planning

3.     Ability to follow oral and written instructions

4.     Must be available nights and weekends for scheduled and emergency work when needed

5.     Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications – Education, Certification, and Experience

1.     AICP preferred or work progressively toward obtaining within the timeframe determined by relevant educational and professional experience required.

2.     Master’s Degree preferred.