The City of Avondale is accepting applications for the position of Principal Planner assigned to the Development Services Department. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Manages land development and other urban planning projects in both the current and long range planning realms. Performs advanced-level professional planning and supervisory work serving as a technical lead to plan, organize, and support the supervision of the Planning Division. Supports the Deputy Director of Planning in administrative functions, overseeing professional planners and other related staff in directing and assigning work activities and projects, monitoring workflow, reviewing and evaluating staff reports, recommendations, and presentations. Supports the Deputy Director of Planning in overseeing complex projects including Zoning Ordinance and other document updates, development projects, development agreements, capital projects, long range plans, and zoning appeals. Serves as the planning liaison and generates staff reports, provides detailed presentations to various City Boards, Commissions, local and regional agencies, and City Council. Collaborates with the Planning, Building, and Administration Divisions, the Engineering Department, and other City Departments and Divisions.

Essential Functions

• Manages complex and high-profile planning projects and land development proposals, leading interdisciplinary project teams. Performs independent research and analysis. Prepares project schedules and status reports, responsible for meeting deadlines, and performing current and long range planning duties.
• Ability to multi-task and supervise multiple projects and personnel, establish project timelines, meet deadlines, and articulate the expectations, goals, and objectives of the Department to staff. Manages the development review team for development proposals, advising of zoning processes, site development and design, zoning conditions, and permitting. Provide support to the front counter (Development Services Center) staff and identifies and implements new business practices where needed.
• Conducts technical review and analysis of site plans, preliminary plats, and construction plans for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, design manual guidelines, and other applicable documents. Conducts and advises on building and site design review to ensure the City's design guidelines are implemented.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent editing and proofreading of technical review letters, staff reports, and presentations. Excellent communication with leadership and personnel. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens, and development clientele. Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial political situations. Strong mediation and solution-oriented skills. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Prepares written staff reports and makes oral presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and various interest groups at public hearings and neighborhood meetings.
• Provides information, technical assistance, and guidance to the public on City policies, ordinance requirements, and review procedures. Meets with property owners, developers, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss development proposals and related issues.
• Supports the Deputy Director of Planning in coordinating economic development-related projects and economic development initiatives. Collaborates with the Sustainability Officer to incorporate low-impact development design and meet sustainability initiatives.
• Represents the department on various citywide committees and special project teams. Works closely with county, state, and federal agencies, community groups, developers, and stakeholders to achieve the City's economic development, land use, transportation, and housing goals.
• Supports the Deputy Director of Planning to oversee the Division's performance measures, data compilation, growth projections, development progress, and demographic data.
• Supports the Deputy Director of Planning in coordinating economic development-related projects and economic development initiatives.
• Performs project and site inspections, as required. Assists with conducting final inspection of development projects prior to issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Geography, Sustainability or a related field. Master's degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal planning and pertinent federal, state, and local laws pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in professional urban/city planning and development in a municipal or county jurisdiction, or a combination of public and private sector planning with a focus in planning, zoning, site plan review, and design, building design, subdivision, project management, implementing land use regulations, and administering current long-range land use plans. Two (2) years of supervisory experience in city planning and development is preferred or any equivalent combination of education and formal training which provides the required experience and abilities may qualify.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, Certified Public Manager (CPM), and/or AGTS Supervisor's Academy certificate is desirable.

Valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain at time of hire.