Primary duties & responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Planning

Intermediary Role:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the public, developers, builders, governmental agencies, and local representatives for planning-related matters.
• Collaborate with consultants, department representatives, and various stakeholders to discuss project requirements and ensure alignment with city policies.

Guidance and Recommendations:

• Provide expert advice and recommendations to City Council, Planning Boards, and Commissions on planning and development issues, including zoning changes, land use, and ordinance modifications.

Research and Data Collection:

• Conduct research on requests for rezoning, variances, special exceptions, and other changes to the city's ordinances.
• Draft legal descriptions for public notices, prepare notification letters to affected property owners, and create detailed staff reports.
• Develop maps and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint) summarizing research findings and presenting recommendations for approval or denial.

Development Plan Review:

• Review site development plans for compliance with zoning laws and city ordinances.
• Communicate deficiencies to developers, working collaboratively to ensure plans meet all requirements before final approval and permitting.

Pre-submission Consultations:

• Meet with potential developers to discuss project requirements and provide guidance prior to formal city review.

Long-Range Planning:

• Assist in updating and creating comprehensive planning documents such as the city's Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Code, and similar plans.

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Policy Drafting: Assist in drafting and revising city policies, ordinances, and regulations related to land use, zoning, and urban development.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure compliance with state and federal planning laws and regulations, including environmental and historical preservation standards.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Demographic and Trend Analysis: Analyze population growth, economic trends, and environmental impacts to inform planning decisions and long-term strategies.
• Grant Applications: Identify and assist in securing funding opportunities, such as grants, to support planning projects and initiatives.

Professional Development and Innovation:

• Stay Current on Trends: Monitor advancements in urban planning, smart growth, and sustainability to recommend innovative solutions for city development.
• Professional Training: Participate in ongoing professional training to maintain certifications and stay updated on best practices in the planning field.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional tasks related to community planning and development as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth understanding of city planning principles, zoning laws, local ordinances, and comprehensive planning practices.
• Familiarity with GIS and Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and presentation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and the public.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills for assessing development proposals and creating clear, well-documented recommendations.
• Ability to make informed, balanced decisions considering both community and developer perspectives.
• Skilled at presenting complex information in a clear, accessible manner to boards, commissions, and the public.
• Familiarity with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) is highly desirable.
• Ability to interpret and enforce local ordinances in various development contexts.

Education/Training/Experience Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in city planning, urban development, or a related field. Experience working with zoning, land use, and municipal ordinances is preferred.
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification is preferred

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Work is performed in a standard office environment with low to moderate noise level. Subject to sitting for an extended period of time, as well as standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting and putting away such items as records and office supplies of moderate weight of up to 40 pounds. Working with a wide variety of people.

The City of Josephine provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability, in accordance with applicable federal laws.