Job Description

This position will be filled at either the Planner or a Principal Planner level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR PLANNER
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and 5 or more years of practical experience in urban or regional planning; a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and 3 or more years of practical experience in urban or regional planning is preferred.
• Experience with GIS and design software (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite, Auto Cad) is desirable.
• A valid driver’s license.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES OF PLANNER
• Develops, prepares and administers moderately complex to complex plans in the areas of comprehensive and current planning, historic preservation, housing and neighborhood development, economic development, sustainability, housing programs, land use regulation and urban design. 30%
• Provides specific staff support related to one or more of the following complex planning activities: Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, GIS, Bike and Pedestrian Planning, Neighborhood Planning, Sustainability, Land Use Planning/Plan Review and Housing Programs. 30%
• Works closely with City boards and commissions, other internal and external stakeholders and other City departments on special projects. Meets with developers, engineers, architects and the general public to provide information regarding the City’s zoning and land use requirements or housing programs, including attending a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings. 15%
• Represents and prepares written staff reports, makes presentations to various City boards and commissions, responds to questions and assists the general public in resolving citizen and customer issues related to zoning and other City issues. 15%
• Provides support and technical assistance to Associate Planners and Assistant Planners on current, short-term and long-range planning projects. 10%

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL PLANNER
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and 8 or more years of practical experience in urban or regional planning; a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and 5 or more years of practical experience in urban or regional planning is preferred.
• Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desired.
• A valid driver’s license.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRINCIPAL PLANNER
• Manages and oversees complex planning studies, housing programs and development applications. Assigns work to professional staff on current and long range planning projects. Assists in preparing and updating development of land use related plans, policies and ordinances including, but not limited to, zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, subdivision regulations, development standards, housing programs and historic preservation regulations. 30%
• Assists the Planning Services Manager in the supervision, direction and coordination of projects and activities within the Planning Division. Reviews requests for rezoning, conditional use and site plan approval including review and negotiation of planned unit developments, and oversees housing programs including CDBG and Healthy Neighborhood Initiatives. Advises the Planning Services Manager on planning related matters. 30%
• Meets with developers, engineers, architects, community businesses and neighborhood organizations covering planning related activities to provide information regarding the City’s zoning, land use and housing requirements. Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings. 20%
• Oversees projects, comprehensive planning studies, housing programs and development applications. Ensures compliance with City codes and ordinances. Develops project budgets, administers bidding processes and verifies contract expenditures and compliance. 10%
• Prepares and presents written staff reports to various City boards and commissions and performs all administrative duties as required. 10%

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning, zoning, and community development.
• Advanced knowledge of environmental principles, WI State Statutes pertaining to planning and municipal law, federal and state programs affecting local municipalities and basic statistical methods.
• Knowledge of project economics, building and zoning codes, engineering, design and sustainability practices.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications and GIS.
• Ability to collect, analyze, compile, and arrange technical, statistical, and related information for planning and zoning research and to interpret and consistently apply City codes and ordinances.
• Ability to collaborate with, develop, and maintain effective working relationships co-workers, other professionals, City employees, other departments, elected officials, other internal and external stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to schedule and conduct public meetings and to use effective public engagement techniques and involvement.
• Ability to produce acceptable work in a reasonable timeframe, maintain accurate records and prepare complete reports and studies.
• Ability to complete sensitive and technically complex planning assignments and to conduct field evaluations and assessments.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of computerized spreadsheets, databases and word processing programs.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, calculator and copy machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger/handle objects or operate tools or controls, and reach with hands or arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required of this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described in this position description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference checks and job related tests may be required.

The duties listed in this position description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time.

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