Planner, Government, Environmental & Urban Planning

Description

The Planner reports to the Community Development Director and provides professional level work in the field of comprehensive urban planning including the gathering, analysis and reporting of social, economic and physical data. This position is responsible for overseeing complex planning projects, managing development reviews, and leading policy initiatives, while serving as a subject matter expert and advisor to staff, city officials, and developers, helping shape long-term growth strategies, land use policy, and zoning regulations.

The Planner plays a key role in facilitating community engagement and promoting responsible and equitable development practices.

• Act as staff liaison with City Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and other agencies, committees, etc. as appropriate. Review plans and prepare reports as part of development review to ensure these groups have accurate, complete data and information necessary to evaluate and approve submitted plans, projects, and applications.
• Develop and manage a business retention and expansion program focused on input gathered from area business owners, developers and others. Function as a primary resource to the local business community by providing information and assistance on programs, partnerships and processes.
• Support and assist the Director of Community Development in the implementation, management and measurement/evaluation of specific goals and strategies identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Research and respond to all inquiries and requests for assistance related to the community development process, while providing a high level of customer service, both internally and externally.
• Keep abreast of changing federal, state, local and private regulations, guidelines, procedures and trends related to urban planning and zoning.
• Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the City of Riverside. Develop effective, positive relationships with the public, business owners, developers, attorneys, etc., while representing the City of Riverside in a highly professional manner at all times.
• Support and assist the Community Development Director and other staff on all development projects from the planning and design phase through the close out process. Assist in special research projects as requested; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Communicate with and assist developers, property owners, the public and elected officials regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
• Review development proposals for conformance with City zoning codes and determine conformity with codes, policies, regulations and procedures.
• Coordinate with other City departments (Public Works, Fire, Police) and other relevant staff on development and building construction issues to ensure that development is compliant with approved plans.
• Review progress against the Comprehensive Plan and elevate unfinished issues.
• Utilize GIS and other resources to compile data, perform requested data analyses and mapping in support of project review and research.
• Collect, compile, prepare and distribute a variety of reports and documents including quarterly reports, federal and state documents and grant applications; monitor grant monies.
• Collect, record and summarize statistical and demographic information; prepare information for decennial census.
• Prepare, revise and administer the City’s zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, maps and subdivision regulations; study and evaluate land use conditions; collect preliminary materials and information on planning and zoning issues and concerns.
• As assigned, assist in the preparation and evaluation of neighborhood planning efforts, implement neighborhood programs and make appropriate recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Civil Engineering, Economics, Environmental Design, or related fields is required.
• Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Civil Engineering, Economics, Environmental Design, or related fields is preferred.
• An AICP professional certification is preferred or required to complete within 2 years of hire.
• 5 years of experience in urban planning, community development, or economic development.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete within 1 year of hire the FEMA NIMS IC 100 and 700 certifications.

• Demonstrated success in a similar position, preferably in the public sector.
• Demonstrated proficiency in geographic information…