Description
JOB PURPOSE:
Under direction, performs the most difficult professional planning work requiring an advanced knowledge and understanding of planning principles and practice as they relate to the City’s planning programs. Oversees the coordination of subdivision applications and site plans for proposed projects, as well as other planning applications. Serves as the City’s project manager for future planning programs, day to day implementation of the General Plan, and supervision of current planning and customer service. Provides the highest level professional planning advice and assistance to the Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Disclaimer- This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed. Other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Serves as the City’s project planner for all future planning functions, and for the day-to-day functions and programs of the planning division.
Interprets the most complex ordinances, plans, and programs.
Supervises day-to-day planning services of the division, and oversees implementation of the City’s General Plan.
Prepares conceptual planning proposals implementing City planning goals and objectives. Develops prospective planning policy for consideration by the Director.
Serves as staff to the City Planning Commission.
Oversees service to the general public in person and by phone and at the public service counter. Makes day-to-day approval/denial decisions based on codes, plans, standards, and planning principles.
Oversees the review site development plans for compliance with zoning ordinances and development plans, etc.
Oversees and/or undertakes the review of site plans, determines compliance with rules and regulations.
Conducts design reviews
Decides, and justifies design and esthetic issues based on established planning policy and professional judgment.
Interprets zoning ordinances, approves applications or goes to planning commission for approval of items falling outside of established parameters.
Prepares agendas and/or staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council pertaining to annexations, zoning, land divisions, general plans and initial project plans.
Prepares draft ordinances for the Commission and responds to routine questions directed to the Commission, with policy questions answered by the Director of Community Development.
Reviews legal descriptions and zoning requirements for proposed annexations.
Prepares initial studies and negative declarations involving environmental matters with supportive justification.
Establishes and ensures proper maintenance of City planning records.
Researches, analyzes, and compiles periodic reports such as the City’s General Plan, etc.
Supervises and/or performs the compilation and updating of census and demographic information.
Performs background work for special planning studies.
Conducts field studies for planning projects.
Prepares grant applications and proposals for outside funding of special projects and programs.
In the absence of the Director, assumes duties of Community Development Director.
Represents the City at meetings of County committees and Kern Council of Governments.
Attends City Council meetings.
Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of PC’s and related software.
Development and administration of planning goals, objectives, and programs.
Principles and practices of city planning and the fiscal, social, and economic issues involved in city planning.
Governmental organizations and their planning functions.
Basic record keeping principles and practices
Operation of standard office and specialized department equipment.
Skilled in:
Implementing planning programs.
Conceptualizing programs within established planning goals, and assisting in the development of planning goals and objectives.
Performing detailed work, including advanced mathematical computations, accurately.
Preparing clear and concise reports.
Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships.
Communicating with the public and other agencies.
Ability to:
Operate a PC and related software.
Maintain effective working relationships.
Communicate in oral and written English.
Make effective presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, other public bodies, and the general public.
Interface with the public.
Work with community agencies concerning matters of land use and planning.
Analyze and develop data and present findings and conclusions clearly and in graphic form.
Attend night meetings and work hours beyond a normal work schedule.
Be consistent in meeting employment obligations by reporting on time and working full workdays and workweeks, as assigned.
Requirements
LICENSES and CERTIFICATES:
Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in municipal, or urban and regional planning, or a related field required
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Master’s Degree in a related field, preferred.
Maintain an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
Five (5) to Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in professional planning, or planning and development work, preferably at the local government level.
One (1) to Two (2) years supervisory experience.
