Planner

HOURS

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Monday – Friday, with occasional evening meetings and weekend hours.

NATURE OF WORK

Under general supervision of the Community Development Director or designee, provides technical planning assistance, ordinance enforcement, and processes land use permits and applications of up to a moderate level of difficulty. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists with land use application process; including helping the public to access application materials and understand deadlines/scheduling, reviewing applications for completeness, and drafting correspondence such as legal notices, etc
• Assists senior staff in coordinating the update of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Composes Planning Commission and City Council reports and resolutions related to land use applications of up to moderate difficulty.
• Presents staff analysis and recommendations to the Planning Commission.
• Takes minutes at monthly Planning Commission meeting when needed.
• Provides basic zoning information to the public.
• Helps keep the planning pages of the City’s website up to date.
• Reviews permits as assigned against the zoning code and communicates with applicants regarding application status.
• Zoning Code enforcement, including inspections, notices of violations, and working with property owners to bring properties into compliance.
• Creates GIS maps and analyzes GIS data for staff reports and larger projects.
• Collects data and conducts research related to planning, zoning, housing, and redevelopment.
• Coordinates internal and external meetings and public events for planning and redevelopment staff.
• Manages extensive planning and zoning files (paper and electronic).
• Reviews and updates planning and zoning handouts, applications, website, etc.
• Works with city administrative staff to prepare, distribute, and post Planning Commission agendas.
• All other duties as assigned. 

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates basic knowledge of land use planning principles and practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to routinely use a personal computer and Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and GIS software.
• Demonstrates skill in performing basic mathematical computations.
• Demonstrates skill in dealing with persons of varied social and economic status.
• Demonstrates ability to interpret and explain land use/zoning code requirements in plain language.
• Demonstrates ability to create maps and manipulate data using ArcGIS software.

• Demonstrates ability to communicate ideas and explanations clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrates ability to write reports, memos and business correspondence using proper spelling, grammar and punctuation, and writing in an organized and concise manner.
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with others.

• Demonstrates ability to function in pressure situations and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain accurate files.
• Demonstrates ability to organize daily work, set priorities, and work independently.

• Demonstrates ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information and maintain compliance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act, including exercising appropriate judgment in the release or presentation of information.

• Demonstrates ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English. 
• Ability to provide own transportation for work activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree majoring in housing, land use planning/development, urban studies, public administration, or closely related field.
• At least one year of experience in customer service. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands that are described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  

Must have the ability to: 

• Ability to sit, talk and listen for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to manipulate a keyboard and mouse for an extended period of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Salary : $33 - $43