Job Description

Definition:

The Senior Planner is an experienced professional who specializes in the development and implementation of plans and policies for the use of land and the design of urban spaces. The Senior Planner reports to the Director of Planning and their role involves the tasks discussed below:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB TASKS:

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

1. Review site plans, subdivision plans, plats, forest conservation applications and other environmental remediation applications;
2. Construct staff reports for commissions and the City Council on various matters;
3. Responds to public inquiries regarding zoning information, including requirements for setbacks, parking, permitted and special exception uses, signage, lot specifications, etc.
4. Prepare presentations and other support for Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Historic Commission, City Council and other entities, as needed;
5. Review applications and plans, and work with residents when necessary to complete applications for fences, accessory buildings, and similar smaller projects;
6. Help research and implement the goals and outcomes of the Comprehensive Plan;
7. Designs, develops, and prepares graphic representations of GIS data using ESRI GIS applications;
8. Maintain, and modify GIS databases, as needed;
9. Chooses cartographic elements necessary for effective presentation or information;
10. Analyze GIS data to identify spatial relationships and display results of analyses using maps, graphs, or tabular data.
11. Process applications for annexation requests;
12. Perform research on a variety of topics and provide analysis for administration review.
13. Facilitating public input meetings;
14. Assisting other departments with projects;
15. Supporting grant applications for future projects;
16. Performs a variety of office related functions, including records management, preparation of printing materials, presentation materials, telephone answering, etc.;
17. Performs related work as required;
18. Performs emergency response duties as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive land use planning and community planning, including research methods and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of environmental planning, land conservation and preservation programs and funding mechanisms
• Knowledge of zoning, subdivision and other planning implementation techniques
• Ability to research and analyze planning information and present the results in oral, written and/or graphic form.
• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in and able to consistently deliver professional grade product for highly visible and complex projects.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to consistently and clearly communicate verbally and in writing complex policy issues and to accurately and consistently read and apply all rules and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
• Knowledge of the general operations of a planning office including duties and responsibilities of all personnel
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers.
• Creative problem-solving skills to planning issues.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community meetings and workshops
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to use a personal computer and standard office equipment

Other Related factors:

• Is exposed to disagreeable working conditions while conducting site evaluations in bad weather and is occasionally exposed to the potential for injury when walking through structures during site evaluations
• Must wear proper protective equipment

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Geography, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Three years of related experience in Planning, GIS or related field. AICP Certification or the ability to obtain certification within 18 months of hire.

Company Description

Havre de Grace is a city in Harford County, Maryland, situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of the Chesapeake Bay. Havre de Grace's location makes it popular for recreation and tourism, and the City was honored as one of America's 20 best small towns to visit in 2014 by Smithsonian magazine.

The City of Havre de Grace, Maryland, is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online application!

The City of Havre de Grace, Maryland, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits

• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Company-paid Short and long-term disability insurance
• Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Pension Plan
• Personal time
• Sick Time
• Vacation time
• Vision Insurance
• Voluntary life, AD&D, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance