Description

General Statement of Duties and Distinguishing Features of Class:

This position classification is distinguished by the performance of a variety of diverse professional and technical, long- and short-term planning duties as they relate to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Landscape Ordinance, Property Maintenance Code, and general City Regulations. The Planner performs a wide variety of assignments under the supervision of the Senior Planner. The Planner’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing development plans as they relate to the Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Regulations, Thoroughfare Plan, Landscape Ordinance, enforcement of the Property Maintenance Code, assisting in annexation and rezoning activities, maintaining planning files and other records, and general planning-related services.

This is a public service job based on trust, credibility, and competency.  It is a critical requirement of this position that the incumbent displays the desire and ability to perform and behave in a manner that does not damage or endanger the loss of trust with the public, co-workers, and other public safety forces. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate project management and technical skills through effective collaboration, using team resources, progressive decision-making and personal responsibility.  Candidates must meet the following qualifications and requirements at time of appointment.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only):

·         Enforces City of Mason ordinances and laws relating to Planning & Zoning;

·         Meets, works with, negotiates and problem solves with site developers, property owners, brokers and others in order to maintain Mason’s quality of life and to elevate standards of development;

·         Accepts and coordinates submission processes for Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals;

·         Works with Zoning Inspector to evaluate Zoning Board of Appeals applications; works with Chief Building Official on reviewing permit activity and works with Subdivision Engineer and City Engineer to evaluate Planning Commission applications;

·         Prepares and disseminates letters, reports, legal notices, memos and other written documents;

·         Monitors community compliance with established ordinances relating to planning, zoning, landscaping, thoroughfare, comprehensive plan, and development ordinances;

·         Assists in adapting, modifying, or rewriting codes as needed;

·         Meets and advises public regarding City development policies, standards and projects;

·         Makes personal, telephone and electronic contact with public regarding zoning, land use, general plan and environmental requirements;

·         Inspects sites for compliance with zoning and landscape codes;

·         Works with consultants on various projects: including creation and updating of plans and documents and design and installations of public improvement projects;

·         Enforces Property Maintenance Code, including receiving complaints, working with the Zoning Inspector on verifying complaints, issuing letters for Property Maintenance Code violations;

·         Review and issuance of planning and zoning permits including, but not limited to, sign permits, residential accessory structures, and zoning certificates;

·         Maintains planning office files.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: The following are preferred: 

·         Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices;

·         Thorough knowledge of and skill in the use of computer applications for word processing, data bases presentations and spreadsheets;

·         Competence in computer applications for geographic information systems (ArcGIS) and Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator.

·         Willingness to pursue continued educational activities;

·         Ability to communicate well with others on all levels using oral and written skills;

·         Ability to remain organized in a dynamic work environment, maintaining quality of work;

·         Possession of tact and discipline to effect professional communication skills with the public;

·         Ability to prepare accurately and timely planning information;

·         Ingenuity and innovativeness in the performance of assigned tasks;

·         Ability to perform a wide variety of difficult technical tasks with accuracy and speed under pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;

·         Ability to manage several projects at the same time while maintaining normal workload;

·         Ability to remain flexible as priorities change.

Training/Education Qualification:

·         Bachelor’s degree in land use and urban planning or closely related field;

·         A minimum of 1 year of planning experience; preferably in the public sector working for a municipality;

·         Member of the American Planning Association preferred;

·         Willingness to pursue AICP certification.

Requirements

Physical Requirements:

·         Normal visual acuity to see objects up close or at a distance, with or without correction, or with or without reasonable accommodation.

·         Capable of changing positions and locale for brief periods of time.

·         Physical demands are in the light to moderate range, must be able to visit job-sites with own vehicle, some sedentary work.

·         Auditory acuity to hear pagers, cell phones, telephones, etc. with or without reasonable accommodation.

·         Dexterity to perform inspections.

·         Ability to mentally handle associated tasks, problems, solutions, and all other mental tasks associated with positions of this nature. Communicate professionally in-person, in writing, and other mediums.