Senior Planner

Job Summary

The Senior Planner performs advanced professional planning, development review, research, policy analysis, and project coordination work related to the administration of the City’s land use regulations, development standards, plans, and community development initiatives. This position independently reviews complex development applications, prepares technical reports and recommendations, conducts field inspections and research, and presents planning matters to advisory boards, commissions, City Council, and other stakeholders.

The Senior Planner also provides technical guidance on planning and development matters, evaluates legislative and regulatory changes, and supports the effective administration of the City’s planning programs and processes.

Pay Range: $74,255.40 to $99,007.21 per year depending on experience

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complies with all City policies and procedures, as well as applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and requirements related to the performance of assigned duties.
• Demonstrates a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented approach to work and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, external partners, and the public.
• Reviews complex land use applications including annexations, zoning, platting, site plan and other land development applications; ensures complete and thorough analysis and evaluation of such land use applications.
• Provides oversight and coordination of department planning issues and advises the Planning Manager on all planning-related matters.
• Designs, prepares and delivers staff reports and public presentations to hearing bodies, local and regional committees, community groups, special interest groups, elected officials, Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Meets with applicants, consultants, and developers to identify and resolve issues related to specific projects and to discuss proposed and current development applications.
• Conducts field inspections to review for compliance with local, regional and State regulations and plans and to gather data relevant to the development review process; verifies development projects comply with approved plans.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors and controls expenditures.
• Executes complex and sensitive professional planning projects, conducts research and analysis.
• Provides information and technical assistance with project reviews, impact fees, application fees, departmental procedures, and compliance issues.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizens and co-workers.
• Identifies new and amended legislation, regulations, and policies to contribute to more effective operation of community development and planning activities; drafts and presents proposed ordinances to the Planning Manager, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisor Duties

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position primarily performs work in a professional office environment utilizing computers, planning and permitting software, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS), office equipment, and related technology. Duties regularly involve meetings with residents, developers, consultants, contractors, elected officials, advisory boards, commissions, and other governmental agencies. The position frequently requires preparing technical reports, conducting research and analysis, reviewing development plans and applications, and presenting information during public meetings.

Occasional travel throughout the City and surrounding areas may be required to conduct site visits, field inspections, attend meetings, or evaluate development projects. The work environment is generally quiet to moderately active, with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions during field activities.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills,…