Principal Planner

About the Role

Direct, coordinate, participate in, and review professional planning activities and operations for highly complex and high-impact planning projects within the assigned department. Coordinate activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public. Provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to assigned higher-level management staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct, coordinate, participate in, and review the work plan for assigned planning projects; assign work activities, monitor workflow, and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Develop project work programs and supervise major planning projects; create and manage project teams.
• Conduct special research on a variety of planning-related issues; gather data for evaluating proposed planning projects; analyze data and recommend alternative development scenarios.
• Write, negotiate, and manage requests for proposals and consultant contracts; review proposed programs from other agencies; recommend modifications.
• Assist in selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating assigned project personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Participate in the development of the City's long-term planning goals and objectives as they relate to assigned projects; prepare planning recommendations for assigned projects to meet these goals and objectives.
• Review major land and infrastructure development plans by outside agencies and recommend any necessary redesign for compliance with the City's long-term planning goals and objectives.
• Provide staff assistance and technical counsel to higher-level management staff; participate on a variety of committees; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
• Coordinate planning activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
• Attend and participate in a variety of group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban/regional planning, architectural design, or a related field.
• Six years of managerial planning experience, including three years of supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
• Possession of a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within six months from the date of hire.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.