DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an intermediate level professional classification in the planning job family. Work is designed to provide continued professional work experience, training and development and is focused on the use of specific knowledge of routine functional area to meet requirements and/or performance specifications within assigned discipline. Works independently referring complex issues to more senior professionals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Functions as a case planner/project manager for applicants pursuing site plans, conditional use, residential design review, general plan amendments, rezoning and subdivision approvals; reviews applications for new commercial and residential developments; reviews applications/proposals from neighboring jurisdictions and generates comments on projects.
• Reviews planning applications for compliance with the with applicable ordinances and policies; drafts and submits legal notices to newspapers, produce site postings and mailings, ensuring postings and mailings are completed within required legal time frame; posts property for rezoning cases and answer development related questions of the public and citizens.
• Assists customers at the front counter and over the phone with technical questions relating to planning and zoning issues; participates in meetings with applicants, residents, property owners, developers, Town staff, elected and appointed officials, civic groups as needed.
• Researches and surveys Zoning Ordinance and other code amendments necessary for updates and revisions; researches and compiles information and writes staff reports and memos for cases and other assigned work.
• Creates and updates various maps and graphic materials; prepares zoning maps, annexation maps, displays, reports, and related materials utilizing computerized geographical information system along with GIS and other programs.
• Writes staff reports and prepares visual presentations to present assigned cases to Planning Commission and Town Council (and other committees as needed).
• Inspects new developments projects for the department for compliance of project stipulations and ordinances; assists with the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, and other special project committees, which includes preparing visual exhibits and presentations; take minutes for these meetings in addition to Pre-App and Tech Review meetings.
• Reviews new and renewing business licenses.                                               
• Performs field inspections.                                             
• Represents the department at various board and committee meetings.
• Updates planning website.   
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Transportation, Public Administration, or a related filed and 2 years of experience in urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. Master’s Degree preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• None

KNOWLEDGE

• Urban planning principles, methods and practices;
• Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• Land use and development principles and theories;
• Customer service principles and practices;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities.

SKILLS

• Giving public presentations;
• Applying modern urban planning principles and practices;
• Managing assigned projects and programs;
• Resolving conflict;
• Reading, interpreting and evaluating different types of plans, and applying ordinance and codes;
• Understanding and communicating technical and legal issues in a clear and concise manner;
• Evaluating architectural features through the design process and provide recommendations based on town established standards;
• Managing and diffusing difficult situations;
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously under time sensitive constraints;
• Applying ordinances, rules and guidelines to planning processes;
• Analyzing data, drawing logical conclusions and make sound decisions and recommendations based on findings;
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.