What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planner- Planning and Urban Design position at City of Savannah?
Purpose
This position is responsible for planning, coordination, and implementation of activities within the Planning and Urban Design Department. The Planner assists with research, data analysis, and preparation of plans, reports, and staff materials related to land use, zoning, and area planning. The position works collaboratively with city departments, external agencies, and the public to conduct research, develop studies, and support area plans, code updates, and special projects. Responsibilities also include assisting with public engagement efforts and providing technical support to advance City planning initiatives.
Essential Job Functions
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning.
Knowledge of Census Bureau definitions and geographies.
Knowledge of geographic information systems.
Knowledge of contract management principles.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.
Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Minimum Standards
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Assistant Director of Planning and Urban Design. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City of Savannah policies and procedures, state laws, and city ordinances, the Georgia State Planning Act, and the Comprehensive Plan. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied administrative and technical planning duties. Requires the application of a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents, and moderate analytic ability in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions. Difficulties in acquiring data contribute to the complexity of the position.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in the development and implementation of community development plans and special projects. Daily actions or services affect individual clients/citizens; activity has a moderate impact on specific cases in the service area. Successful performance in this position results in an improved quality of life for citizens and visitors of the City of Savannah.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Outside and inside contacts to carry out organization programs or occasional contacts with officials at higher levels on matters requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion, or work requiring enforcement of laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City department staff, elected and appointed officials, neighborhood residents, community stakeholders, and members of the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, justify decisions, and negotiate and settle matters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. Absence of disagreeable conditions.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Do you possess a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Architecture, Geography, or a closely related field, along with at least two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
Describe your experience supporting neighborhood, corridor, or area planning efforts.
03
Provide an example of a planning, policy, or technical project where you conducted research or data analysis.
04
This role requires managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. Describe how you prioritize tasks, organize your work, and ensure timely completion.
This position is responsible for planning, coordination, and implementation of activities within the Planning and Urban Design Department. The Planner assists with research, data analysis, and preparation of plans, reports, and staff materials related to land use, zoning, and area planning. The position works collaboratively with city departments, external agencies, and the public to conduct research, develop studies, and support area plans, code updates, and special projects. Responsibilities also include assisting with public engagement efforts and providing technical support to advance City planning initiatives.
Essential Job Functions
- Assists with the development of neighborhood, corridor, and area plans that support land use, zoning, and community development goals.
- Conducts research and basic data analysis to support planning studies and policy development.
- Gathers and analyzes data for grant applications, planning projects, and regulatory reporting.
- Creates maps, graphics, and communication materials to support public engagement and project transparency.
- Maintains and updates GIS data and tools.
- Coordinates with departments and external partners on land use planning, zoning, and special projects.
- Coordinates and attends public meetings and events to support project outreach and gather feedback.
- Prepares reports, summaries, and recommendations for land use planning, zoning, and special projects.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Architecture, Geography, or a closely related field, and two years of experience in traffic engineering, planning, using graphics software, marketing, public relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
- No certifications are required.
- Preferred:
- Progress toward American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within 12 months of hiring.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning.
Knowledge of Census Bureau definitions and geographies.
Knowledge of geographic information systems.
Knowledge of contract management principles.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.
Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Minimum Standards
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Assistant Director of Planning and Urban Design. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City of Savannah policies and procedures, state laws, and city ordinances, the Georgia State Planning Act, and the Comprehensive Plan. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied administrative and technical planning duties. Requires the application of a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents, and moderate analytic ability in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions. Difficulties in acquiring data contribute to the complexity of the position.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in the development and implementation of community development plans and special projects. Daily actions or services affect individual clients/citizens; activity has a moderate impact on specific cases in the service area. Successful performance in this position results in an improved quality of life for citizens and visitors of the City of Savannah.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Outside and inside contacts to carry out organization programs or occasional contacts with officials at higher levels on matters requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion, or work requiring enforcement of laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City department staff, elected and appointed officials, neighborhood residents, community stakeholders, and members of the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, justify decisions, and negotiate and settle matters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. Absence of disagreeable conditions.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Do you possess a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Architecture, Geography, or a closely related field, along with at least two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- Yes
- No
Describe your experience supporting neighborhood, corridor, or area planning efforts.
03
Provide an example of a planning, policy, or technical project where you conducted research or data analysis.
04
This role requires managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. Describe how you prioritize tasks, organize your work, and ensure timely completion.
- Required Question