Full-time Planning Manager/Long Range Planner

About the role

Performs a variety of first-line supervisory, professional and technical duties to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the daily operation of the planning and zoning division. Oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive current and long-range master planning.

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director. Provides general supervision to Planner I and Planner II staff, and the Code Compliance Inspector.

Essential Functions

• Promotes and follows the City's mission statement, values and expectations.
• Participates in departmental decision-making processes; provides recommendations for developing, implementing, evaluating and revising division policies, including General Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments, practices, priorities, methods and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of planning functions.
• Serves as administrative advisor and liaison to the Planning Commission and other boards, including but not limited to the Design Review Committee, Hearing Officer, etc.; provides City Council liaison support as needed.
• Receives directives, implements options and strategies; coordinates personnel and resources as needed to accomplish projects and programs.
• Oversees preparation of public meeting agendas; participates in public meetings and hearings to solicit public response and apprise of policy and project options; educates the public through media, reports, public meetings and presentations.
• Prepares and submits recommended division budgets; monitors fiscal activity and coordinates with Community Development Director to ensure conformity with established budget constraints.
• Exercises supervision over division personnel; delegates staff assignments and monitors work quality; establishes performance plans, evaluates performance; recommends or initiates corrective action as needed; makes decisions and recommendations affecting employee retention and advancement; maintains time sheets; initiates and recommends personnel actions such as recruitment, advancement, discipline and discharge.
• Maintains ongoing comprehensive planning processes and procedures; identifies alternatives for converting policy ideas into action plans affecting city development, expansion, transportation and related public programs.
• Directs or conducts feasibility studies; prepares a variety of reports related to project progress; reviews and updates ordinances affecting planning, zoning, signage, land use, development, business licenses and related departmental areas.
• Coordinates projects with other departments or governmental agencies; conducts public meetings to determine public policy preferences and establish policies and goals; reviews and amends city master plan based upon established goals and policies.
• Identifies sources for alternative funding related to special projects; applies for grants; implements administrative processes to comply with grant conditions; monitors grant compliance.
• Meets with public, developers, entrepreneurs, and contractors to discuss planning, zoning, and development issues; reviews and coordinates with the Zoning Administrator to interpret information in city ordinances; reviews site plans, conditional use permits, rezoning applications, etc.; distributes plans to various city personnel for review and input.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or a closely related field; AND five (5) years of responsible experience performing above or related duties; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the legal system and procedures affecting planning, zoning and related operations of the city.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices related to local government planning and zoning, economics, sociology and community organization as applied to urban planning.
• Thorough knowledge of planning and zoning and subdivision law, theory and application; the relationship between factors affecting urban planning policy, such as economic, political, sociological, legal, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of local government structure and operations, including budgetary procedures and fiscal management; research methodology, statistical analysis and evaluation of research data; land use, zoning, federal, state, and local laws.
• Thorough knowledge of interpersonal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of principles of supervision and workflow management.
• Considerable skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.
• Ability to administer a comprehensive work program; interpret codes accurately and effectively; prepare and present budget estimates; enforce regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; plan and organize comprehensive research studies; prepare and present technical reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers in the Planning and Zoning Division and other Divisions/Departments, other government entities, the public, and elected officials.
• Ability to perform advanced mathematical calculations; develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, subordinates, and the public.

Special Qualifications

• Awareness and understanding of evolving needs and trends for land use and transportation, including regional planning initiatives and multi-jurisdictional coordination processes.
• Awareness and understanding of current best practices related to pedestrian-friendly design for mixed-use development, residential neighborhoods providing open space and housing variety, water-wise landscaping, land use economics, and design approaches for effective moderate-income housing implementation.

Work Environment

• Tasks require a variety of physical activities not generally involving muscular strain; may include walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, etc.
• Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties.
• Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.
• Periodic travel required in the course of performing portions of job functions.