Senior Planner (Trails Planner - Strategic Planning and Design)

About the Role

Lead, oversee, and participate in the complex and difficult work of staff responsible for providing planning services to the City. Create, organize, and complete major programs and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Lead, plan, train, and review the work of staff responsible for providing planning and development operations for the City.
• Plan, direct, and participate in planning activities, policy development, instructional material development, procedure development, and project management in assigned area of responsibility.
• Assume responsibility for developing and implementing programs to enhance planning and development initiatives, including instructional material as required.
• Train assigned employees in planning methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Review planning and development projects within assigned area for consistency with applicable policies, rules, and regulations.
• Provide analysis and recommend actions to officials, business groups, and other professionals on all aspects of planning.
• Coordinate inter-agency staff to create and modify major plans, guidelines, and procedures in assigned area.
• Collect and organize specialized data for periodic reports and maintenance of information related to departmental and/or community needs, goals, and services; analyze alternative solutions to ensure system changes conform to strategies and policies.
• Communicate and work with decision makers, both administration and elected officials, at the local, state, and national levels.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend changes as necessary.
• When assigned to the Parks and Recreation Department:
  • Coordinate the development of Park Masterplans.
  • Assist in negotiating leases and maintaining a database.
  • Participate in the staffing process for public boards and commissions.
  • Provide guidance and input to various planners on drafting plans, policies, and development review relating to Parks and Recreation.
  • Assist with grants activities related to park development, programs, and initiatives.

Supplemental Functions

• 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 in planning or a field directly related to this job description.
• Five (5) years of managerial planning experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• May work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Working Conditions

Environmental

• Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical

• Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.