City Planner, Government

Position: City Planner I
This is entrance level professional work in urban planning.

An employee in this class performs data gathering, data inventorying, research, analysis and reporting for defining and preparing significant elements of the planning program.

Works under the general direction of senior staff using some independent judgment in carrying out assignments.

Assists with the planning, designing, implementation, and evaluation of research, field studies and analysis contributing to work elements of the city's planning program. Assists government officials, design professionals, developers, public interest groups and the public with elements of the zoning code, zoning map, land use plans, and transportation plans. Assists staff in reviewing project proposals and plans. Uses a personal computer to prepare reports and perform data analyses.

Maintains computer databases tracking planning related data. Inventories and tabulates data, manually using a personal computer. Performs field observations. Measures and records land use; prepares land use maps utilizing gis software. Reads and interprets maps. Researches property ownership, details zoning and building lines, addresses and other information. Surveys, obtains, evaluates and summarizes reports, studies, documents and other literature from other governmental agencies.

Meets with officials in other jurisdictions to secure and exchange information and to plan cooperative efforts. Meets with the public to provide technical assistance or present information regarding the city's planning program. Drives to attend meetings, conferences, and training sessions. Performs related work as required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree and major course work in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, community planning, geography or other related field. Possession of a valid state of ohio driver's license.

Knowledge of the techniques of urban planning and research.  Knowledge of the standard principles and practices of urban design and architecture, public administration, economics, sociology and geography.  Some knowledge of municipal administration and organization.

Ability to effectively conduct surveys, compile data, inventory data, and analyze spatial and temporal relationships.  Ability to effectively present statistical data, prepare maps and graphic presentations and to develop and convey ideas and information verbally and in written form.
Skill in the use of personal computers and common business and geographic information systems (gis) software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others.  Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.  List of essential job functions available upon request.

This is a classified position.  

The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for education.  A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for education.  Test weights:  competitive examination 80%, education 20%.  

Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.

Note:

the competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates.  The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 80% for qualifying and 20% for education.

Residency:  candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the city of akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the city of akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades.  Veterans: a veteran of the armed forces of the united states, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to their passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a dd-214 with application.

Driver s license:  an applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an ohio driver's license must be obtained prior to appointment.  Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.

Note:

you are responsible for checking your application status throughout the steps in the selection process by viewing your  account. If you have any questions or are unable to check your status on line, you may call the department of human resources at .  

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Equal opportunity employer

The city of akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all…