JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for professional work in the area of long range planning, requiring basic knowledge of planning principles and concepts. Such concepts include but are not limited to comprehensive, area, neighborhood, and historic preservation planning. The position will also work closely with other planning staff on zoning reviews, revisions, and city programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in drafting and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan, including coordinating, presenting, writing, and processing plan chapters and amendments, status reports, and other related activities.
• Interpret plans and studies as they relate to development proposals or other related activities.
• Support area and site-specific planning efforts.
• Perform planning-related research of a specific or general nature.
• Collect a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information and land use.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, white papers, and correspondence.
• Conduct meetings with citizens and other stakeholders in the development of plans. Coordinate community meetings, charrettes, open houses, etc. in support of plan development.
• Coordinate and follow up with appropriate committees, departments, and agencies.
• Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues.
• Must be able to communicate complex information effectively, clearly, and accurately, both verbally and in writing to internal and external entities.
• Must be able to gather and examine data and provide critical reports based on such research.
• Prior experience in comprehensive or neighborhood planning is desirable.
• Experience with running meetings and public speaking.
• Must be able to multi-task and coordinate multiple projects and reviews concurrently.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK:

• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of community development is usually attained through a degree in urban planning, public administration, economics, finance, or a related field from an accredited college/university with no additional experience required. Two (2) years of experience are needed with a bachelor's in a non-related field.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to present projects effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, other departments, business representatives, developers, citizen groups, regional partners, and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to accurately operate a computer keyboard, office equipment, copy machine, and calculators. Extensive reading and close vision work. Maintain a minimum lifting capacity of 30 lbs. and sustain the ability for repeated standing, sitting, bending, and stooping. Must be able to walk and climb stairs when necessary. Must maintain the physical requirements to successfully pass the Essential Job Function Test as required for the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to answer general questions about City Government operations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work closely with other departments.
• Ability to work effectively with the general public, community organizations, and C-Suite officers.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Knowledge of comprehensive, neighborhood, and general long-range planning.
• Knowledge of working in a City Manager form of Government.
• Capable of independent thinking, with the ability to solve complex problems and tasks.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.