Planner 1 - City of Ocean Springs, Ocean Springs, MS

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Planner I provides assistance in the review and evaluation of activities related to planning, building, housing and re-development within the city limits; develops recommendations and determinations; assists with the activities related to the day‑to‑day function of the Community Development & Planning Department.

This position works under the general supervision of the Community Development Director.

None.

Review and prepare response to Planning applications including but not limited to zoning, permitting, land use, variances, site plan, Design Review, historic preservation, and eligibility inquiries.

Manage tracking of all applications received by the Planning Department to ensure that all are properly received, acted upon, distributed to other departments, and documented.

Coordinate application review with other city departments and external public and private entities.

Assist with the activities associated with the Planning Commission, Zoning and Adjustment Board, and Historic Preservation Commission meetings including evaluation of appropriate applications, presentation, recommendation, and coordination.

Provide information and assistance to citizens and the general public on planning and zoning related issues.

Research potential ordinance, code, or policy modification and/or creation including the impacts, benefits, and implementation process.

Meet with internal and external entities on physical issues within the city and regional plans/activities.

Attends and may conduct a variety of meetings, often in the evening, as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Works with other staff as assigned support special projects.

• REQUIRED:
  
  Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and minimum 2 years experience in a closely related field.
• PREFERRED, but not required:
  Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field from an accredited college.

• Knowledge of comprehensive planning, zoning, historic preservation, building code, and construction terminology and practices.
• Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws and ordinances/codes applicable to department operations.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and to manage deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish successful working relationships; ability to work under pressure and/or frequent interruptions; ability to work with angry and difficult customers.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners, elected officials and citizens.
• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive and technical reports and data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point. Extensive software skills are required, as well as GIS applications.

Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the date of hire.

Tools and equipment may include but are not limited to personal computer, motor vehicle, software to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point;
Arc GIS, phone and copy machines.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; to reach with hands and arms; and to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an…