Planner II

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Requires a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Five (5) years progressively responsible related experience is required.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Oklahoma Driver ’s License and satisfactory motor vehicle record.

Knowledge: Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation, including spread sheets. Principles and practices of city planning, zoning, and development process.

Skills: Reading and interpreting zoning and plot maps. Interpreting City ordinances related to zoning, subdivision and signage. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with internal staff, citizens, and contractors, to ensure compliance with design specifications and building codes; respond to citizens’ questions regarding zoning concerns; consult with builders and developers in reviewing plans for development. Analytical abilities are required to integrate and interpret data from various sources, and to plan, develop, and implement reasonable strategies. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. Organizing work, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction. Communicating clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Working extensive projects through to completion within specified time frames. Recalling information. Willingness to assume responsibility for work performed. Ability to work independently. Ability to think logically and critically. Assessing salient information through research, conferences, and examinations. Reading and interpreting technical, narrative, and graphic displays. Writing technical reports. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Information Systems/ESRI. Demonstrated experience giving public presentations to a variety of individuals or groups. Demonstrated experience organizing community events and facilitating public meetings.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Researches and provides information to the supervisor and Director on various community development issues; gathers socio-economic, transportation, construction, housing, land use and other data about the community; studies plans and monitors local development issues. Responds to citizen’s inquiries regarding interpretation and assists in reviewing and implementation of codes, zoning and land use. Assists walk-in traffic and daily calls for information requests. Performs professional work in current and long-range planning. Analyzes and reviews development proposals or applications such as re-zoning requests, land use plan amendments, variance applications, and building permits with appropriate principles, regulations and policies. Ability to work with different commissions; Historic District Commission, Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission. Researches and prepares reports regarding ordinance changes long-range planning issues and general planning studies. Assists in review of ordinances and regulations affecting a variety of development issues; assists in preparation of items and memos for the Planning Commission and City Council; represents City at various meetings. Organizes and facilitates meetings with developers and community groups to introduce and discuss new development proposals and planning projects. Answers planning, zoning and development process questions from citizens, developers and other agencies. Advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the public on the City’s Comprehensive Plan, development policies, procedures and standards and other land use matters. Evaluates land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances and compliance with applicable local, state or federal laws; evaluates proposals’ development impact as they related to the adopted plans for the City and makes recommendations. Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and conditions. Reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance. Performs other related work as required.

Mental and Physical Abilities: Ability to maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance. Mental/visual effort required due to sustained periods of concentration with constant breaks in concentration associated with answering phones or speaking in person to citizens or staff requiring assistance. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lb.) 5 - 10% of work time.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. Occasionally performs fieldwork outdoors.

Additional Information: Selected applicant must pass background investigation and drug screen.