Senior Planner                                                   FLSA Status:  Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs intermediate professional work assisting with preparing short and long-range development and improvement plans, preparing graphic materials, conducting research, maintaining records and files, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Planning and Community Development Director.

 

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and are not necessarily actual functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Essential Functions

Performs duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service.

Researches complex planning issues and prepares various comprehensive reports; develops recommendations to solve difficult planning and administrative policy questions; recommends revisions to codes and guidelines.

Serves as a project leader for various city council goals, programs and projects.

Prepares ordinances and legislation for land use and zoning matters; creates maps and summaries to communicate findings.

Manages site plan review process for legislative development proposals.

Prepares annual action plans and performance reports for community development and historic preservation activities; prepares five year consolidated plan; administers grant funded projects.

Provides staff assistance to department officials, the City Manager, the City Council, Historic Preservation Commission, outside agencies, etc.; serves as staff liaison to the planning board; coordinates and facilitates planning board training opportunities.

Prepares newspaper legal advertisements and display ads.

Assists the public with applications and inquiries for city services.

Coordinates and facilitates neighborhood and community meetings regarding land use planning; assists with developing goals and objective for neighborhood plans.

Assists the Division Manager with the work plan for the planning unit.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning; thorough knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of urban planning; thorough knowledge of ordinances governing zoning and related codes; ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and in an interesting manner to lay groups and the public; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, elected officials and the general public.

 

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in municipal planning, or related field and moderate experience in municipal planning or community development, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and speaking or hearing, frequently requires using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

 

Special Requirements

Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners certification desirable.

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.