Planner

The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to review development and zoning applications, prepare recommendations on land use issues, and assist customers with zoning questions and processes. Make professional and effective presentations on development and zoning projects to Commissions, Boards, and the City Council.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

• Prepare and present City Code amendments and long-range plans (comprehensive plans, district plans, etc.)
• Collect and maintain information on the physical, social and economic characteristics of the City, including maintenance of geographic and housing information; evaluate information regarding the City and summarize pertinent points in quantifiable and qualitative terms; conduct studies, prepare reports and make recommendations on long-range planning issues including housing, transportation, land use and economic development
• Process simple and complex development applications for public and administrative review to promote orderly, positive, and effective development consistent with City plans and policies.  Prepare agendas, staff reports, graphics and supporting materials; review these plans and proposals to determine conformance with the comprehensive plan, the zoning code and established planning practices
• Meet with developers and the public regarding development plans, land use policies, and application processes
• Design and execute public participation and community engagement processes and activities to support Community Development projects
• Enable the public to fully participate in the planning process by providing information about the planning process, zoning, comprehensive planning, development proposals and other matters that affect their interests
• Maintain effective relationships with partner public and private organizations
• Provide staff support and present to City commissions, committees, and initiatives.   May require attendance at early morning and evening meetings and occasional weekends
• Perform field or file inspections to ensure conformance with approved plans, including site, landscaping and lighting plans
• Manage records in accordance with State statutes and City policies and respond to data requests
• Prepare environmental review documents to comply with City policies and State and Federal law
• Participate in grant identification, writing, and reporting
• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned to support other City departments and divisions
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED
• High quality customer service skills – following best practices, valuing others’ time, and providing knowledgeable and resourceful information while going above and beyond expectations
• Ability to embrace and demonstrate City values through verbal and non-verbal communication and work ethic – responsibility, integrity, respect, positive attitude, empathy, and initiative
• Ability to produce written communication that is clear, concise and accurate
• Ability to adhere to legal and administrative processes for evaluating, approving and implementing applications
• Able to work independently, anticipate next steps and adapt to changing work priorities
• Ability to model and encourage creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• Clear and accurate numerical data analysis skills
• Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to present information in a variety of formats and styles and to a variety of audiences
• Able to successfully manage and prioritize multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to engage and communicate with the public in a manner that is responsive, considerate and respects the need for confidentiality.
• Ability to ensure that recommendations are thoroughly researched and based upon facts and logically presented arguments
• Ability to develop or improve City procedures for collecting, processing, storing and disseminating information
• Ability to coordinate work with other City, County, State and Federal agencies involved in the Division’s activities
• Demonstrated commitment to improving and updating planning knowledge and skills
• Ability to understand and comply with current administrative policies and procedures

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in urban planning or closely related field
• Two years’ work experience in municipal urban planning. A Master’s Degree in urban planning or closely related field may substitute for one year of the required work experience
• Experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS or comparable software
• Valid driver's license

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in urban planning or closely related field
• Work experience in housing, real estate or other related field
• Experience in data compilation and analysis
• Additional experience engaging with marginalized communities, including BIPOC, first generation, LGBTQIA , low income, and disability communities
• Language skills in Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Cambodian (Khmer), Chinese Mandarin, Arabic, Amharic, Lao, Pashto, Swahili, Russian, Tibetan, Tagalog, Hmong, Portuguese, Oromo, Creolized English, and/or French.
• Advanced software skills utilizing Electronic Plan Review (BlueBeam), permitting (CityView), InDesign or comparable software, and Electronic Document Management (Laserfiche)

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

This position does not supervise others.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $42.86 – $47.25 Hourly

2025 Full Salary Range: $42.86 – $53.18 Hourly (Contract under negotiation)

Full-Time; Non-Exempt; AFSCME Union; Benefits Eligible per Union Contract

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Salary : $43 - $47