Lead Planner

City of Farmers Branch•Farmers Branch, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Lead Planner performs advanced professional work in current planning, advanced planning, and analysis. This higher-level role handles more complex technical, investigative, and project-management work than a Senior Planner and requires advanced knowledge and skill. The Lead Planner coordinates and processes complex planning and zoning proposals from application through final approval and provides guidance to colleagues performing similar work. The position leads development review meetings and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. The role may assign work and coach employees, contribute to performance evaluations, interview candidates and recommend hiring decisions, provide input to supervisory staff, supervise volunteers and interns, and represent the Planning Department when the Planning Manager is absent. The position also coordinates projects and leads assignments in areas such as long-range planning initiatives, departmental strategic initiatives, census-related work, and GIS. The Lead Planner works independently on assignments and special projects, typically seeking supervisory assistance only when necessary. Decisions may involve policy implementation, sensitive or controversial issues, and interactions with the public. The role normally works in a climate-controlled office environment, with some mobility in office and field settings, and must attend required evening meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Urban Planning; equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification, and training will be considered.
At least five years of related work experience.
Thorough knowledge of urban planning principles, concepts, and theories, including short- and long-range planning.
Ability to analyze complex data; knowledge of data collection, methodology, demographics, and statistics.
Computer, database-program, and computer-modeling skills; fluency in Microsoft Office products.
Ability to attend Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other required evening meetings.
Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to maintain the record while employed.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions; manage special projects with little oversight; and handle sensitive, controversial, or stressful public interactions with tact.
Advanced ability to read technical, scientific, financial, and legal materials and to write editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.
Intermediate ability to work with real numbers and practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and measurements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Urban Planning.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is strongly recommended.
Skill in mapping software, desktop publishing software, GIS, and Adobe Suite software is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Process complex planning and zoning cases from application through final approval, ensuring submissions meet requirements and coordinating proposals with other departments.
Review development proposals, prepare technical comments, compile zoning history, request additional or revised applicant information, and determine whether special exceptions or variances are required.
Prepare case graphics, memos, reports, and details for Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council packet distribution.
Prepare and review legal notifications before mailing and newspaper submission.
Draft legally correct resolutions and ordinances; research property ownership; and participate in comprehensive planning, special studies, and projects.
Confer with citizens, architects, engineers, developers, builders, and others about zoning, submission requirements, and policies.
Research zoning ordinance and project histories for other city departments and the public, and respond to general planning and zoning information requests by telephone, email, and walk-in service.
Review site development plans for compliance with zoning standards and applicable Commission and City Council conditions; maintain zoning and site plan files; and recommend and process subdivision and zoning ordinance revisions.
Coordinate projects and lead assignments in areas including long-range planning, departmental strategic initiatives, census-related work, and GIS.
Recommend improvements to departmental processes and project tracking systems; direct the maintenance and organization of zoning and planning records; and assist with city code compliance enforcement.
Provide guidance to other employees and, as applicable, assign work, coach employees, contribute to performance evaluations, assist with hiring, supervise volunteers and interns, and represent the department in the Planning Manager’s absence.
Lead development review meetings and present cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.