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Job purpose
Working independently under the Director of Planning and Building, the Senior Planner supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of professional and technical staff responsible for the review and processing of Boards and Committee petitions, and special projects.
Ensures work quality and adherence to established policies, procedures, and timelines; and performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. This is a broad classification with individual positions assigned to specific functional areas; duties and assignments may overlap depending on the operational needs of the department and staffing levels.
The Senior Planner position is distinguished by the level of independence and responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned including providing direction to professional and technical planning staff and review of the most complex planning projects. Employees at this level are required to be fully capable in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility and have an acute awareness of the importance of customer service.
Duties and responsibilities
Exercising appropriate discretion and independent judgment, the Senior Planner’s functional duties include:Â
- Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review municipal code, zoning, subdivision and processing procedures for Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission petitions.
- Review and facilitate appeals of Town road and park impact fees.
- Establish schedules and methods for providing project reviews, coordinate and review with appropriate management staff, outside agencies and other Town departments.
- Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
- Perform the more technical and complex tasks of the urban planning unit including coordinating the review of project proposals.
- Prepare and present staff reports for the various Boards, Commissions, and Committees as directed; undertake research; prepare reports and maps and related exhibits.
- Serve as project manager from conceptual design through final construction of development plans.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.
- Advise architects, builders, developers, contractors and the general public regarding the implementation and interpretation of applicable Town development regulations.
- Coordinate, research, draft and present various ordinances and agreements to the Town’s decision-making bodies.
- Answer questions and provide information to the public with an emphasis on customer service; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action.
- Attend and host meetings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, landscape architecture, or a related field of study. Previous experience working in municipal government is a plus.
- Minimum of eight to ten years of urban planning experience including one year of administrative and/or lead supervisory responsibility. Two years’ experience in field of community development.Â
- Certified from national accredited program desired (American Planning Association’s AICP, International Economic Development Council’s CEcD, or the like).Â
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and local development regulations.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Analytical skills and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, staff and other decision-makers.
- Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
- Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, demonstrated safe driving record, and remain insurable through the town's liability insurance carrier if applicable.
- Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of Department, Town and related OSHA safety policies and procedures.
Working conditions
The qualified candidate must be able to manage a variety of inter-personal situations with good judgement in a professional, discreet manner, work on several tasks at the same time and complete tasks effectively. This position requires the ability to work and communicate well with individuals from all levels.
The environment is a typical indoor office that will occasionally require field inspections. May be required to work beyond normal business hours. Â
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Physical requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
This position requires the physical and mental ability to conduct meetings, to enter and move about all Town facilities, and to inspect development and building sites for compliance of conditions of approval, written commitments, and town ordinances.
Direct reports
The Senior Planner position reports to the Director of Planning and Building. This position has no direct reports.Â
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