Principal Planner

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Department: Planning

Pay Grade: 117

FLSA Status: Exempt

Personnel Status: Regular Full-Time

This position is responsible for performing professional planning duties in support of the development policies, practices, and regulations of the City of Auburn and supervising the work of subordinate staff. This position reports to the Planning Director.

• Performs both current and long-range planning activities and provides guidance to staff, City officials, and citizens on planning-related issues.
• Reviews and drafts amendments to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.
• Interprets and administers the City’s zoning ordinance, landscaping and signage regulations, subdivision regulations, historic design guidelines, City Code, the comprehensive plan, annexation policy, and addressing policy.
• Exercises functional supervision over assigned personnel.
• Coordinates development review.
• Produces technical and illustrative content and assists in the management of contracted projects, including digital content utilizing multiple technologies, including GIS.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Professional Excellence

Sense of responsibility and commitment; ability to meet expectations; quality of work output; willingness to admit and correct mistakes.

Communication

Ability to express oneself clearly, credibly, and respectfully in an appropriate tone; quality of judgment exercised in what information should be communicated; ability to adjust to different communication styles.

Teamwork

Commitment to team activities; placing value of team success over personal recognition; altruism; impact on team success; willingness to fulfill a variety of roles.

Engagement

Initiative exercised in solving problems; willingness to take on new responsibilities; acting on opportunities and presenting ideas; modeling a positive attitude and resilience; volunteering for group work; praising work of the City and coworkers; demonstrating pride in public service.

Public Service

Views citizens as a priority; demonstrates ethical, trustworthy behavior, stands as an example of servant leadership; maintains trust of the Auburn citizens.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Planning or a related field; five (5) to eight (8) years’ experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of or ability to obtain the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification within two years of employment.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Knowledge of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance.
• Knowledge of City of Auburn subdivision regulations.
• Knowledge of general planning theory and practice.
• Knowledge of the Alabama State Code as related to municipal governments.
• Knowledge of platting, surveying, and cartography principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of City of Auburn policies, procedures, and rules.
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in project management, including the development of work programs, schedules, and budgets.
• Skill in preparing accurate technical reports.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations.
• Skill in the utilization of GIS technologies in problem-solving.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications…