JOB DUTIES:

This is a mid-level professional planning position that exists to administer the City's planning function, which involves the creation, implementation, modification and improvement of plans for the City's development and redevelopment as a mature, thriving, premier residential and business community. Analyze and prepare reports on long-range planning issues and other land development policies and standards. The position provides technical advice to the Director of Planning, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and other boards and commissions as required. This position includes research and evaluation of social, economic and other data upon which to base planning recommendations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Working knowledge of G.I.S. and BS&A
• Good public speaking skills and ability to present presentations to a wide variety of audiences
• Responds to Freedom of Information Acts (FOIA) inquiries from the City Clerk's office.
• Assist residents and developers with Planning and Zoning questions at the counter and/or on the phone
• Prepares for and attends monthly after-hours meetings with: ZBA, Planning Commission and other Board meetings as required including, but not limited to preparing public & legal notices, project reviews & recommendations, agendas, meeting materials and power-point presentations, meeting minutes, etc.
• Represent the Planning Department, as required, with other departments through regular weekly and monthly meetings through presentations aided by videos, charts, maps, graphics and any other form of media to communicate material for review and/or approval.
• Review site and landscape plans for conformity to City standards and ordinance requirements; perform site inspections to ensure compliance with approved site and landscape plans and for Certificates of Occupancy; suggest possible solutions for site problems; negotiation/resolving disputes
• Prepare and maintain records and reports of inspections, complaints and investigations; correspond with contractor's, builders, and residents regarding findings, recommendations, and responses to inquiries
• Prepare grant proposals for future City projects; administer the implementation of projects awarded by various grant programs
• Represent the department at various neighborhood, service committees, county, regional, and state meetings and functions and engaging in similar activities that may aid in presenting a positive image of the City.
• Gives advice to and cooperates with municipal officials, major developers, and community organizations in connection with new or contemplated major projects and coordinates construction projects with the long-range capital improvements program (CIP).
• Fosters a cooperative working relationship and coordinates with other development agencies such as the County, the Eight Mile Blvd. Association and the Downtown Development Authority.
• Prepares current hard copy materials and up-to-date electronic information on the City website.
• Functions in a results-oriented fashion by engaging in continuous improvement exercises that evaluate the effectiveness of projects and decisions as they may impact development or redevelopment sustainability for the City as well as for the Region.
• Provides annual reports and studies, technical knowledge, guidance, data, support and advice in planning & zoning best practices

MARGINAL FUNTIONS:

• Provides assistance to other Planning Department staff and Director as needed
• Knowledge and understanding of the city and how the different departments/governmental organizations work together
• Performs related duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS:

• Bachelor's degree in city planning, environmental studies, landscape architecture, or related curriculum (Master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience).
• Five to seven years of professional experience in the field of Planning and Zoning or similar, including project administration, graphics presentation, grants procedures, preparation of reports,
• Well versed in the use of BS & A, office productivity software such as MS Office, computer rendering, maps and presentations,
• Familiarity with the Geographical Information System (GIS)
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required
• Experience in the preparation and implementation of grant funding for City projects
• Ability to interpret and enforce City Ordinances in a direct, fair and friendly manner in the field and in the office; creative negotiating skills to achieve the best possible solutions to various problems
• Significant problem solving and organizational skills necessary to prioritize and coordinate diverse, simultaneous projects and the ability to work under pressure of deadlines and changing priorities
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills to work with a variety of City departments, management, co-workers, fellow professional, business community, contractors, developers and residents; effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to compose correspondence and maintain detailed records
• Ability to meet City's driving record standards

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Michigan Driver's License
• AICP certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to outdoor conditions and temperature extremes
• Physical effort involved in performing inspections at sites, including standing, bending stooping, climbing, twisting, etc. An exposure to irregular terrain
• Sensory attention involved in computer work and review of low-contrast blueprints

CHALLENGES:

• This position is challenged to effectively coordinate and produce a heavy departmental workload, involving diverse administrative, technical, creative and supportive duties while working under pressure of deadlines and budget constraints.
• This Summary Job Description may be changed (additions, deletions, or modifications) at any time at the sole discretion of the City