The Planner I position provides staff assistance to City's Design Review Board Planner 2 and implements the City's historic preservation plans and ordinances. Identifies opportunities for improvements in plans and ordinances, and serves as support to the secretary of the Design Review Board to ensure the City makes progress toward its historic preservation goals. Under supervision from the Planning and Zoning Manager and/or Planning Director, and guidance provided by the Design Review Board Planner 2, the Planner I interprets and applies relevant state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations. Writes and presents formal reports, memos, and public notices. Assists with coordination of special studies, Comprehensive Plan updates, and policy updates to promote economic and community development.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(all incumbents may not perform all duties and other duties may be required as assigned)

Essential Functions:

• Staff support for the Design Review Board to include agenda preparation, public notice, compilation and review of applications, acts as liaison between applicant and Board, and provides administrative and technical expertise in review of applications and interpretation of City codes, ordinances, and plans
• Interacts with the general public on historic preservation, zoning, business license, annexation, and other general planning inquiries
• Assists general public, city staff and officials, and other government agencies with questions about planning, zoning, and historic preservation issues and application processes
• Supports Planning Director and Planning and Zoning Manager in their contacts with the general public on issues such as zoning and other land use regulations; guide public through the various approval processes; review and approve business license applications
• Acts as liaison between property owners, contractors, and other agencies
• Performs public relations work within the community and state
• Proposes amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Historic Preservation procedures and ordinances as necessary
• Conducts research and prepares reports on assigned subjects and for new or revised ordinances
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with other City departments, outside vendors, community leaders, and the general public; attends meetings as needed; resolves problems and complaints
• Attends seminars and stays current on planning trends and best practices
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices
• In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, such as land use planning/zoning, historic preservation, and/or economic development
• Ability to interpret, research, and communicate regulations, codes, and standards that impact community and economic development and historic preservation
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of City ordinances and codes to determine compliance
• Interpersonal, oral, and written skills to effectively communicate technical and other information to the general public, committee members, community leaders, and other professionals
• Ability to remain productive in an interruptive work atmosphere and on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Analytical skills to accurately and efficiently process unrelated and complicated information
• High level of computer competency to include an understanding of GIS programs and applications
• Cost control skills to assure budgetary constraints are followed
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities to include public meetings, hearings, and other community meetings; attends such meetings outside of typical business hours

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Public Administration, Business Administration, Geography or related field; Master's degree preferred
• This is an entry level position, so zero to three years of relevant government planning experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• American Institute of Certified Planners certification (Desired or ability to obtain within reasonable timeframe)

Special Requirements:

None