SPECIAL PROJECTS PLANNER I, II

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Location: Rapid City, SD

Job Summary: The Special Projects Planner position is responsible for performing historic preservation and professional urban planning projects. They assist in the development and implementation of community plans and regulations to provide for the orderly growth and development of Rapid City and the three-mile jurisdiction. The Special Projects Planner position also provides staff support and project coordination for various commissions and committees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Special Projects Planner I:

• Performs assignments under the direction of higher-level of supervision, exercises increasing independent judgment and decision-making authority as experience is gained, and performs other related duties as assigned.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements planning projects, including land use studies, neighborhood plans, urban infill initiatives, annexation studies, housing policies, historic preservation initiatives, and other special planning projects.
• Develops, updates, and implements comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other planning policies by conducting research, drafting ordinances, and recommending policy revisions.
• Reviews development applications and planning proposals for compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, comprehensive plans, and development standards, and provides recommendations for approval or modification.
• Prepares and presents oral, written, graphic, and technical reports, analyses, and recommendations related to planning projects, development proposals, historic preservation, and policy initiatives.
• Conducts research, analyzes planning data, and utilizes GIS, Microsoft Office, and other software applications to support planning studies, project analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Administers and supports the City's Historic Preservation Program by coordinating project reviews, Certified Local Government grant activities, community education programs, and compliance with historic preservation requirements.
• Develops and implements public engagement strategies, coordinates public meetings and educational events, and promotes community involvement in planning, historic preservation, and land use initiatives.
• Prepares and administers grant applications, manages grant-funded programs, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local grant requirements.
• Conducts field inspections and site evaluations to verify existing conditions, ensure compliance with approved plans, and assist Code Enforcement with investigating potential ordinance and permit violations within Historic Districts.
• Provides technical guidance and planning expertise to elected officials, boards, commissions, developers, consultants, City staff, and the public regarding planning policies, historic preservation requirements, land use regulations, and development processes.
Provides staff support and project coordination for boards and commissions, provides leadership and technical guidance to Planning Projects Division staff, collaborates with internal and external partners, and assists with planning initiatives across multiple divisions.

Special Projects Planner II:

• Performs all duties of Special Projects Planner I
• Completes moderately complex assignments and tasks under a moderate level of supervision and decision-making authority
• Delegate some tasks to other staff with manager approval
Assists in providing training to other planners

Qualifications:
Special Projects Planner I:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field; Master’s degree preferred
Must posses a valid South Dakota drivers license or ability to obtain within 30 days from hire

Special Projects Planner II:

• All qualifications of Special Projects Planner I
Four years related experience

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell.
• Specific vision abilities require close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds