Urban Planner

Applications are being accepted from both AFSCME Union members and the public.
AFSCME Members must apply within the first 14 days of this posting to be considered as an in-house candidate. Any applications received after the first 14 days will be considered with applications from the public.

Applications from the public will be considered only after all in-house union obligations have been met.

All applications will be screened to ensure they meet all the minimum requirements. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview. To be placed on the eligible list, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or better on the oral interview.

This posting is subject to close after 14 days.

Performs professional-level work assisting with the administration and enforcement of the City of Saginaw’s Zoning Code; supports update the City’s Master Plan; and participates in a variety of planning activities. Provides technical support to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, and the City Planning Commission.

• Processes zoning requests using appropriate investigation methods, including field inspections, photographic documentation, graphic exhibits, and research of current and historical zoning practices.
• Provides planning support for the City’s economic development efforts, including population, land use, and economic base studies; assists developers in identifying potential land or building sites; and evaluates rezoning options for proposed developments.
• Coordinates the City’s Master Planning program by preparing requests for proposals, overseeing consultant contracts and payments, scheduling meetings, reviewing consultant recommendations, and supporting consultants throughout the planning process.
• Reviews rezoning requests, special land use applications, and zoning appeals to ensure consistency with surrounding land uses; coordinates site plan reviews to verify compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Prepares written reports, visual exhibits, and formal recommendations for boards and commissions; and presents materials for the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Saginaw Historic District Commission.
• Serves as the City’s local liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau, including participating in the Local Review and Neighborhood Statistics Program.
• Prepares maps, graphics, and photographic materials for use by the City Manager, City Council, boards and commissions, as requested.
• Acts as a public information resource for City’s Zoning Code and census-related population data, including interpretation and coordination with developers, architects, builders and construction companies.
• Provides staff support to the Riverfront Development Commission in implementing the City’s Riverfront Development Plan.
• Identifies and applies for grants and special designations, including preparation of grant applications as needed.
• Coordinates preparation of required reports, including the annual Planning Commission report, Certified Local Government (CLG) report, KPI report, and other reports as assigned.
• Performs special projects as assigned by the Director of Planning and Economic Development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or closely related field such as environmental science, political science, geography, and public policy.
• Five years’ experience in city planning, zoning code administration, and site plan review to include grant writing and master planning.

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan Driver’s license.

• Effectively listen, communicate verbally and in writing, and interact professionally with staff, officials, and the public
• Exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions by evaluating alternatives and potential impacts.
• Read, interpret, and apply work-related documents, policies, and regulations
• Think…