Planner

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Planning Director, performs administrative and technical work in city planning. This position will implement planning and zoning functions of the Planning Department to include zoning plan review, staff reports, pre-application meetings and public participation process. In addition, the position conducts planning research and analysis on routine to more complex projects. The work requires independence in planning research, analysis and report writing.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.

• Assists in planning studies and developing reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations.
• Assists with the preparation of reports on development proposals to the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as other committees and boards as directed.
• Receives applications for rezoning, text amendments, conditional uses, administrative subdivisions, re-plats, preliminary plats and final plats and other items for the Planning Commission agenda, verifies completeness of applications, inputs data into departmental software.
• Conducts review of various development applications including rezoning requests, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, conditional use permits, variances (if needed), subdivision plats and other proposals.
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
• Assist with writing grant proposals to fund planning and economic development project
• Attends meetings as necessary in the absence of the Planning Director.
• Acts as the City’s census liaison (required every 10 years)
• Assist with various community projects

Qualifications

Education & Experience Guidelines
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 required for this position would be:

Education/Training
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field

Experience
Minimum Two Years Working in Urban Planning; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses or Certifications Required
Valid Driver’s License

The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Community Planning Concepts and Techniques
• GIS knowledge required
• Applicable State, Federal and Local Ordinances, Laws, Rules and Regulations Regarding Land Use and Zoning
• Computer Applications Related to Essential Job Functions

Ability to:

• Work Independently
• Analyze Situations and Problems and Devise Solutions
• Analyze Data and Prepare Technical Reports
• Read a Variety of Legal, Financial, Public Relations and Civil Engineering Documentation
• Write Job Related Documentation and Reports in Proper Format
• Clearly Verbally Communicate With Others to Clearly Relay Information
• Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide including Percentages and Decimals
• Work in an Constant State of Alertness and in a Safe Mannerr

Physical Demands & Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations needed to perform the essential duties of this position.

Environment: Normal Office Environment, Outdoors when visiting sites and conducting planning studies

Physical Demands: See accompanying page for details

Key Working Relationship: Planning Director, Engineering Employees, Building Officials and Code Enforcement

Applications for this position will be accepted until a pool of 20 applications is received or the position is filled, whichever comes first. Current city employees wishing to apply should send Internal Job Application provided by the Human Resources Department to the HR Director by the deadline stated. (A courtesy copy will be sent to the employee’s department head.)

Applications can be found online (download an application) or picked up at the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department:
1103 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334 448-2706

Applications are available for pick up and drop off on Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Eastern Time. You may also email your completed application with the required supporting documents.