Community Development Planner

POSITION SUMMARY:

Conducts research, analyzes and organizes data, and prepares reports to guide City officials in making decisions regarding community development and housing activities. Recommends action and introduces land use, social, cultural and political alternatives to elected and appointed officials. Provides planning assistance and serves as an information resource to local officials and the general public. Reports to Director of P & D.

JOB DUTIES:

• Administers grants and economic development programs
• Investigates, applies and writes grant applications
• Provides administrative, editorial and technical support to City commissions and committees
• Reviews financial and marketing proposals to ensure that requests are in conformance with City plans and programs
• Facilitates and organizes committee and commission meetings in order to provide public input to decisions and alternatives; attends public meetings to gather information needed to complete studies and to explain department recommendations to City officials or the general public
• Conducts studies by researching, organizing, analyzing and evaluating data and preparing reports on topics such as historic preservation, economic development, housing, transportation, population and land use; recommends action and presents policy alternatives
• Gathers and compiles statistical data for use in the development of plans and the preparation of reports; prepares graphic displays and maps; prepares materials for public presentation of plans and reports; provides data and technical interpretations to the public
• Researches and prepares reports on special topics referred to the department by the City Council
• Assists the public with planning and zoning related questions and problems
• Provides technical assistance to other City departments
• Reviews current periodical literature and books of professional relevance and attends conferences, workshops, and seminars to keep abreast of community development related matters
• Reviews proposed development plans to ensure compliance with all City ordinances
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Planning and Development

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in public administration or related field and two years experience in administering public and private housing programs and other grant-funded programs; federal, state and private grant reporting; public and community relations; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses/Certifications:

Valid Illinois driver's license or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public planning and zoning; thorough knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations and processes; and of the sociological, economic and political aspects of community development.

Excellent skill in public and employee relations and in maintaining effective working relationships; advanced skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint software; knowledge of computer aided design and GIS applications; in organizing, completing and reporting on projects; written and oral communications; making public presentations to a variety of community organizations; multitasking and composing clear, concise and informative correspondence; and proofreading and performing data entry with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental and community agencies, co-workers, neighborhoods, public officials and the general public; maintain absolute confidentiality of the materials and situations encountered on the job; define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; respond effectively to inquiries and complaints; calculate fractions, decimals and percentages; understand and work in accordance with established policies and procedures; read and interpret complex documents; successfully coordinate studies, collect data, analyze data and write reports; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture or schedule form; organize and carry out multiple projects simultaneously; and exercise good, independent judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

Employee shall reside within the boundaries of Adams County, Illinois within six months of the effective date of employment with the City of Quincy.

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000