JOB The Planning Department offers a structured career ladder that supports employee growth and advancement across roles. Placement within the ladder is based on each individual’s experience, education, training, and demonstrated competencies.

PLANNER
The Planner position is the entry level professional position within the Planning Department. The position involves professional level duties and judgment along with some routine administrative tasks. The Planner operates with general supervision and receives ongoing assistance and support from the Sr. Planner on technical planning matters.

PLANNER II
The Planner II position involves professional planning work of moderate difficulty. It is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a more elevated level of duties and responsibilities compared with the Planner. The Planner II works more independently than a Planner and receives ongoing assistance and support from the Sr. Planner on complex planning matters. The Planner II takes an active role in the department on the implementation of goals and initiatives.

SR. PLANNERThe Sr. Planner requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. Some functions are similar to those of the Planner II level, though the Planner Ill/Sr. Planner often leads or is significantly involved with larger, higher profile planning assignments. Planners at this level take on a higher role in departmental tasks, exercise greater independence and judgment, receiving general supervision from senior management. The Planner Ill/Sr. Planner also provides support and ongoing assistance to the Planning Technician, Apprentice Planner, Planner I andII positions.

Salaries:
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

PLANNER

• Prepares planning studies and reports that inform plans, programs, and regulations by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing pertinent data, along with producing supporting maps and related materials. Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, plats, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in creating development plans
• Coordinates reviews of public and private development projects
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations
• Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues
• Reviews the work of consultants and interns
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• May be required to attend evening meetings
• Other duties as assigned depending on workload.

PLANNER II

• Interprets and applies applicable federal, state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations
• Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations
• Assists with the creation and maintenance of regulatory documents and long-range planning policies, including updates to guiding plans and development standards. Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezonings
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence to governing bodies or the general public
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning
• Develops long range plans for communities with common developmental issues
• Develops strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals
• Evaluates adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs
• Attendance at some evening meetings may be required
• Other duties as assigned depending on workload

SR. PLANNER

• Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments
• Manages complex and/or high profile planning studies, development applications and reviews consultant proposals
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, plats, etc.
• Assists with budgets, bidding process, verification of contract expenditures and compliance
• Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues
• Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects
• May work in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, coastal zone mgt and others as needed
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, various Boards / Commissions, and Council. May serve as liaison to such Board or Commission
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings
• May supervise or mentor more junior planners
• Other duties as assigned depending on workload

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PLANNER
Typical Knowledge

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing and graphical techniques
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, permit tracking systems and Geographic information Systems (GIS)

Typical Skills

• Strong Oral, graphical and interpersonal communication skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans, apply applicable ordinances and codes to determine compliance, and interpret regulations in field conditions.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
• GIS skills highly desirable.

PLANNER II
Typical Knowledge

• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices
• In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, such as, long range planning, or historic preservation planning
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing and graphic techniques
• Knowledge of or experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant Federal programs, such as National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, permit tracking systems and Geographic information Systems (GIS)

Typical Skills

• Oral and graphic communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans, apply applicable ordinances and codes to determine compliance, and interpret regulations in field conditions. Group facilitation skills for use with internal collaborations or community workshops
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind

SR. PLANNER
Typical Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices & techniques of planning as well as familiarity with state law governing planning
• Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as comprehensive planning or land use
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, Energov, and GIS

Typical Skills

• Excellent oral, graphical and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems
• Group facilitation skills for use with internal collaborations or community workshops
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines