Planner

Planner

City of Wilmer, Texas

Department: Community Development

Status: Full-Time | Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: Performs professional planning work and assists developers and the public in applying planning and zoning regulations and City guidelines to development projects, technical issues, and land use plans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provides technical and professional planning services; assures project plans are in conformance with comprehensive plan goals, and in compliance with local, state, and Federal codes and regulations.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public and developers with planning and technical review issues; provides zoning, comprehensive plan, subdivision, transportation analysis, floodplain, and future development information within the scope of authority.
• Research issues and provide data on land use issues and related subjects.
• Receives and processes a variety of planning applications, permits, and technical documents, reviews applications for conformance with regulations, codes, and project specifications.
• Reviews and evaluates project designs, plans, technical documents, building permits, and special use permits for compliance with City standards, regulatory requirements, and conditions of permit approval.
• Provides case management services for customers with subdivisions, zoning issues, variances, and special projects to be resolved.
• Develops maps and other graphic presentations to illustrate land use plans and planning concepts; assists in maintaining land planning records, files, and maps with GIS system; performs research and data gathering for population, housing, land ownership, land use, and economic studies.
• Prepares staff reports and may present to Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council.
• Prepares required public notification for planning and zoning actions; assists with preparation of agenda packets for Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.
• Researches and presents information to boards and commissions and the public; compiles data and prepares reports as required.
• Conducts research and analysis on City ordinances, rules, and regulations; assists in compiling, arranging, analyzing, and interpreting land use and planning information.
• Coordinates with citizens' groups, advisory boards, and commissions; develops cooperative professional relationships with local developers, realtors, and contractors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of urban planning, community development, zoning regulation, building safety, code enforcement, and flood plain management.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations affecting planning, zoning, code enforcement, and community development.
• Knowledge of Graphic & digital mapping methods, specialized GIS software applications, and file management procedures.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping and records management.
• Ability to interpret technical documents and map specifications.
• Ability to accurately check designs, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, and demands.
• Ability to collect, tabulate, organize, evaluate, analyze, and present data and information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, developers, engineers, and co-workers.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in identifying and resolving issues, concerns, and needs.
• Skill in problem solving, including analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, the consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Skill in operating standard office equipment, including a computer and associated software, not limited to Microsoft Office.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: The Director of Planning assigns work in terms of general instructions and spot checks completed work for accuracy and propriety of final results. This position does not supervise any other positions.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: The work is typically performed in an office while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects (up to 25 lbs.). Some field investigation of project sites may be necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Geography, or a related field.
• Three years of planning and development experience; a Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for a portion of the required experience.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
• Possession of a valid Texas driver’s license
• A combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The City of Wilmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.