Planner II

Position Description

This is a mid-level professional planning position, which provides highly technical research assistance to the Principal Planner. Under limited supervision, the position conducts research, analysis and report generation, and coordinates and manages the work program elements of the respective section. The Planner II assists in current and long-range planning efforts, including land development review and analysis and planning studies in support of new and updated programs and regulations, and customer support to applicants and the general public. This position prepares and compiles information for formal planning presentations to various boards and groups.

Essential Duties

Provides information, guidance, and advice to applicants and the general public in response to inquiries regarding land use, zoning, platting, development applications, and other planning matters
Receives, reviews for completion, and processes development applications including evaluation of site plans, subdivision plats, rezoning applications, right-of-way vacations and other land development proposals; ensures applications conform with the City's development code, master plans, planning principles and the Comprehensive Plan
Performs research, field analysis, investigation of land use, zoning patterns, and neighborhood characteristics; assists in the preparation of associated community outreach efforts, work products, and presentations.
Conducts studies; develops various maps, graphics, text and illustrative materials used in reports and presentations with the aid of applicable computer software applications.
Assists with collecting, assembling, summarizing, and analyzing basic data involved in planning, such as land use, population, economic characteristics, historic preservation, land development, and other factors pertinent to a master planning or a comprehensive planning program.
Conducts field surveys to assess context of development projects, may perform analysis on housing, business, commercial, and industrial development to assist with studies and staff report analysis.
Assist the Principal Planner with work products related to major work elements of the section and manages the comprehensive plan amendment cycle.
Conducts research and analysis to gather data, prepare reports, and general meeting preparation and necessary public contact. Studies and learns new planning trends and legislation related to the respective section’s work programs.
Provides input to assist the Principal Planner in developing and compiling information for the development of the respective section’s work programs. Manages works programs as assigned.
Assists Principal Planner in implementing procedures and techniques for gathering necessary planning data and program implementation.
Coordinates and manages the report processing and ensures that research, reports and analysis documents are conducted and completed according to established standards in the section.
Provides input to assists the Principal Planner in establishing standards for research and report processing and establishing methods for information dissemination to the public.
Coordinates with internal and external agencies. Attends public meetings with special interest groups, homeowner associations, developers and the general public to reconcile differences related to proposed development.
Prepares written recommendations; writes memorandums; makes case presentations
Represents the Department in an advisory capacity at neighborhood, city departments and outside agency meetings and meetings of boards, committees and the City Commission.
Performs related work as required Assists the general public with Planning-related questions and provides superior customer service.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field and four (4) years of experience in Urban Planning, or a master’s degree in urban planning or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in Urban Planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Requires strong writing, analytical, presentation and meeting facilitation skills. Requires computer software skills, including Windows-based computers, Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping Printers, and Large Format Plotters.