Chief Staff Planner

Description

Vacancy is in the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Development Services. Posting will remain open until sufficient applications are received . Under general direction, assists the Division Director in the administration of the City’s Planning and Zoning Division by coordinating, supervising and providing technical support for the City’s planning and zoning activities. Assists with long-term planning and development efforts; and ensures compliance with state and local laws and regulations. May act for the Division Director in their absence as directed. Performs and oversees professional plan reviews of complex projects. May assist the Division Director with the coordination and oversight of the work of professional, technical and administrative staff as related to plan review, historic preservation, planning and zoning commission reporting, zoning board of appeals and wetlands review as directed. Plans, supervises and participates in research activities and in the compilation and analysis of complex planning data and makes recommendations relating to planning and zoning activities. May participate in or oversee specialized planning functions, including, but not limited to, large-scale new development proposals, transportation planning initiatives, and planning studies. May be required to attend and represent the City at commission, staff, public events relating to the work of the Planning Division, and other meetings, as directed. Performs related work as required. This is a HMEA Union position. The hours of work are 40 per week and the above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Incumbent(s) performs and oversees the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge related to all areas of current and advanced planning and zoning functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure:
Thorough knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices, technical legal issues and research methods of urban renewal, zoning and city planning.
• Federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, and regulations governing urban renewal, zoning and city planning.
• Complex development, land use and site plan reviews, including historic and wetlands review practices.
• Zoning, wetlands and historic preservation.
• Recent development, current literature and sources of information relating to municipal planning and administration.
• Research methods and procedures involved in assembling, analyzing and interpreting complex statistical data.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance management and evaluation.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentations, mapping and database management.

Ability to:

• Manage, direct, coordinate and supervise the work of professional, technical and administrative personnel.
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and presents administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively administers a variety of land use, zoning and development programs and activities.
• Research, interpret and apply federal, state and local law, policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Recommends modifications or changes to local codes, ordinances and procedures to reflect best practices.
• Recommends and implements goals, objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local, state and federal officials and the general public.
• Interact with a diverse population.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Open to all applicants who meet the following qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college with major coursework in planning, public or business administration, architecture, political science, law or a closely related field; and four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban development or planning, at least one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

A Master’s Degree in Planning from an accredited college recognized by the American Institute of Planners may be substituted for part of the experience requirements.
Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.