Lead Planner

Target Hiring Range: $75,556.11 - $83,951.24

Under general supervision, this advanced level planner position performs professional level work in the field of current planning, advanced planning and analysis. This position is distinguished from the Senior Planner position in that it is a higher-level position that performs more complex technical, investigative, and project management skills requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill. This position is responsible for coordinating and processing more complicated planning and zoning proposals from application to final approval, and affords guidance to other positions performing the same tasks.

Additionally, this position leads development review meetings and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

This lead position may also: assign work and coach employees with specialized instructions and practices for job accomplishments; contribute to other employees' performance evaluations, assist with the hiring process by interviewing and making recommendations and providing input to supervisory staff; supervise volunteers and interns; and serve as the Planning Department representative in the absence of the Planning Manager. Processes more complicated planning and zoning cases by reviewing development proposals from application to final approval, and aff ores guidance to other positions performing the same tasks.

Ensures applicant's submission meets requirements; coordinates development proposals; reviews development proposals with other departments; prepares technical comments and compiles zoning history information for each case; ensures additional or revised information is provided by applicant; determines if special exceptions or variances to development standards are required; prepares graphics for each case; prepares memos, reports and details for final Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council packet distribution.

Prepares and reviews legal notifications prior to mailing and newspaper submission. Prepares clear and legally correct resolutions and ordinances; researches property ownership; and participates in comprehensive planning activities and other special studies and projects.

Confers with citizens, architects, engineers, developers, builders, etc. on general zoning and submission regulations and policies; researches history and background on zoning ordinances and various projects for other city departments and the general public. Processes general planning and zoning information requests over the telephone, via email, and walk-in traffic.

Reviews site development plans for compliance with zoning standards and with conditions established by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council related to pending and approved site plans; maintains zoning and site plan files; recommends and processes revisions to the subdivision and zoning ordinances.

Coordinates projects and leads assignments for a specific area of focus including but not limited to implementing long range planning initiatives, department strategic initiatives, census related work, and GIS.

Makes recommendations related to improving departmental processes and project tracking systems; provides direction related to maintenance and organization of zoning and planning records; and assists with enforcement of city codes for compliance. Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Urban Planning.

Master's Degree in Urban Planning is preferred.

Minimum five years of related work experience is required.

Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification and training will be considered.…