This is an administrative and professional position where the Associate Planner collaborates with the Principal Planner in developing and implementing the City's planning and development programs. This position involves administration and enforcement of Zoning, Subdivision, and other development-related ordinances and regulations. Work involves assistance in formulating, modifying and administering current and long-range plans regarding land use, housing, economic development, transportation, population and similar matters as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Review and analyze development proposals, including requests for rezoning, conditional uses, street/alley vacations, subdivision plats, for compliance with City policies, ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan, and state/federal laws; monitor public hearings through the approval process; enforce compliance with regulations, confer with developers, engineers, and the public; and present recommendations to the Planning team, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, Deputy City Manager, and City Council.
• Attends meetings of and provides technical assistance to Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and to various other committees, boards and commissions, as assigned by the Deputy City Manager.
• Develops and participates in short- and long-range planning studies to review and re-vise the comprehensive plan; reviews the work with the Planning and Zoning Commission and other departments where applicable.
• Develops and participates in development of studies related to land use, zoning, land subdivisions, Central Business District Improvements, streets, public improvements, parking, parks, economic development, and similar topics.
• Assist complex planning projects from conception to completion including timeline and major milestones for approval such as short- and long-range planning projects but not limited to.
• Mentor planning staff, provide guidance and support.
• Coordinates Transit activities for the City.
• Reviews land use and zoning requests associated with the Airport Overlay Zone.
• Assist in the upkeep of geographic information system layers created internally by the Division;
• Assists in the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and other related ordinances and regulations.
• Assists the public in understanding the zoning, subdivision and related development codes.
• Interact with residents/customers in person, by phone, or through email.
• Reviews and analyzes annexation requests.
• Prepares and administers grants as required.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• General knowledge of modern methods and techniques of community development and planning.
• Ability to read and understand maps and cartographic information to include subdivision plats, zoning maps, utility maps, topographic maps, aerial photographs, assessor maps and data and related information.
• Ability to read, interpret and explain zoning, subdivision, and related ordinances and regulations.
• General knowledge of methods of conducting research and field surveys required for the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and office software, including spreadsheet, word processing, building permit and database management.
• Ability to interpret planning and development programs and activities to boards and commissions, City Council, interested groups and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral, written and graphic reports and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other departments, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, contractors, and the public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work entails considerable contact with the public, city departments, and other agencies.
• Work assignments are developed in conjunction with the appropriate board or commission and finished plans are subject to review by the board or commission and the city council.
• Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, unleveled grades and heavy vegetated areas for the purposes of site review and maintenance work inspection.
• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively with fellow employees, contractors and the public by telephones, two-way radios, written form and face to face.
• Ability to read and interpret regulations, ordinances and other written materials.
• Ability to interpret plans, maps and graphic displays of information regarding development proposals.
• Must be emotionally and intellectually capable of interaction with all types of people with varying perspectives on development issues as a representative of the community.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or residents encountered during work.
• Ability to work long hours including attending early morning or evening meetings.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning or closely related field.
• One year of experience in planning and community development work is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the above knowledge, abilities and skills.
• Must possess a valid Iowa driver's license.