HIRING RANGE: $86,542.56 - $96,158.40/year

Carryout assigned community planning functions within the Comprehensive Planning Division. Work involves managing community planning processes, implementation of the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan. Consults as appropriate with supervisor or project manager to discuss work progress or new problems which may require advice or further direction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts research, field investigations, and develops graphics to support implementation of the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan.
• Manages community planning processes.
• Manages Historic Preservation program and serves as liason to the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Coordinates board, committee and working group functions.
• Conducts field investigations, neighborhood and community meetings associated with planning needs and projects.
• Develops and maintains a project compliance monitoring system.
• Prepares staff reports and oral presentations to Planning Commission, City Council, community and business groups.
• Evaluates financial, programmatic, development/acquisition feasibility and community impact of housing and community development proposals. Interprets rules, regulations, grant requirements, and conducts research and analysis to ensure City is in compliance.
• Develops housing and community development planning documents to identify regional and local priorities for housing and community development programs and projects.
• Maintains files and information systems used by the Division to track information at the project or program level.
• Works with staff from all City Departments on issues and projects affecting Lakewood's disadvantaged populations.
• Participates in regional planning and community development efforts with other counties and municipalities.
• Researches, compiles, and organizes demographic and statistical information.
• Assists in Planner of the Day functions.
• Receives inquiries from citizens and the development community related to community issues and regulations. Handles inquiries in person and by telephone by providing information, explaining procedures, and listening to complaints.
• Researches, compiles, and organizes information for community needs and projects.
• Writes planning reports and contributes to implementation of programs.
• Serves as a lead worker on team projects at the overall direction of the Division Manager.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining schedules, quality of the work product, and for keeping the supervisor informed of the project's progress.
• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from Division Manager.

Supervision Given: None

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in planning, Public Administration, or related field and three years of increasingly responsible related experience in comprehensive planning and a familiarity with development review. Master's degree preferred. Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working in local government, leading public processes, working with federal regulations, and with enforcing compliance. Experience in compiling and reporting demographic and statistical information. Experience or interest in planning community development and housing programs.

Internal reclassification must have two (2) years experience as a full-time Associate Planner (Intermediate) and meet the minimum requirements for Associate Planner (Specialist).

Licensure/Certification/Registration

None

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and apply municipal codes, ordinances, regulations and policies.
• Strong program management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain working relationships with individuals at all levels in the organization in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex governmental issues and deal effectively with controversial issues.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively conduct public meetings with small to large groups.
• Knowledge of planning principles.
• Ability to analyze problems, propose alternatives and recommend solutions.
• Capable of researching complex issues and preparing clear, concise policy reports.
• Effective in the use of interpersonal skills needed to handle day-to-day personal and telephone contact with the public.
• Effective in interacting with appointed and elected officials, community groups, other jurisdictions, and other City staff members.
• Effective in board, committee and work group management.
• Able to maintain professional demeanor in sensitive and political environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks. Capable of handling numerous and diverse projects while keeping track of details.
• Technical abilities such as computer mapping and graphics, drafting and computer word processing.
• Ability to visually observe conditions on a development site and on surrounding properties.
• Ability to transport one-self to off-site locations.
• Criminal background check is required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical Demands

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc.
• Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include

• Office settings

Physical Requirements – No Physical Needed

• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 lbs with or without assistance

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in an office the majority of the time, with occasional trips in the field.
• Work includes frequent interruptions, a high volume of work, and tight deadlines.
• Work involves dealing with angry, frustrated or upset individuals at times.
• May involve attending meetings outside of regular business hours.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Personal computer
• Printer
• Fax machine
• Photocopying equipment
• Telephone