PLANNER I/II

CITY OF TAYLOR•Taylor, TX

About The Position

The Planner position provides case management for a wide range of planning applications including subdivision plats, zoning, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, site development plans and other related permits. The Planner performs research and analysis of applicable local, state and federal ordinance and laws relevant to assigned cases and writes reports and makes presentations of cases to elected and appointed officials. The Planner also provides customer service to a variety of customers including residents of the City, property owners, developers, real estate professionals and others. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Planning Manager. This is a non-supervisory position. Works closely with other Development Services staff and has frequent contact with representatives of various governmental and business entities and the general public. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This is a description of the way this job is currently performed; there is potential for accommodation. Review development applications and permits; prepare staff comment letters and reports for boards, commissions, and City Council. Prepare legal notices, agenda packets, and other required materials for planning cases. Provide assistance to customers on the phone, via email, and at the front counter. Maintain development project records. Research best practices and provide recommendations on policy and ordinance revisions. Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge of: Municipal planning and development requirements and practices (zoning, platting, site planning).
Community development principles and practices.
Superior customer service principles and practices.
Skills in: Researching best practices in city planning.
Effective writing techniques with proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computer software programs which may include Microsoft Office, internet applications, permitting software, database management, and GIS.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in a timely manner.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to: Act as a case manager for development projects submitted to the City.
Provide thorough, detail-oriented plan reviews to ensure compliance with City requirements, in particular the Zoning ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Comprehensive Plan.
Take initiative to work independently and as a team member to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Attend evening meetings of assigned boards and commissions each month and infrequent weekend meetings.
Interpret, assess, apply, and articulate applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Assist with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
Represent City and provides staff support to Boards and Commissions.
Enter data accurately and consistently using standard software.
Assess and understand a variety of different situations and implement the appropriate next steps in handling customer inquiries/complaints.
Operate using effective time management techniques and handle multiple tasks in quick succession.
Be a team player and establish effective working relations with co-workers.
Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, or a related field
TX Class C driver’s license
Planner I: Six (6) months of experience in the municipal planning environment.
Planner II: Two (2) years of experience in the planning profession

Nice To Haves

Preferred Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)
Innovation
Customer Focus
Integrity
Excellence
Respect

Responsibilities

Review development applications and permits; prepare staff comment letters and reports for boards, commissions, and City Council.
Prepare legal notices, agenda packets, and other required materials for planning cases.
Provide assistance to customers on the phone, via email, and at the front counter.
Maintain development project records.
Research best practices and provide recommendations on policy and ordinance revisions.
Other duties as assigned
Interpret, assess, apply, and articulate applicable state, county, and local ordinances, and regulations.
Act as a case manager for development projects submitted to the City.
Ensure compliance with the Land Development Code, Engineering Manual, and Comprehensive Plan, and provide thorough, detail-oriented plan reviews of complex land use applications including annexations, zoning, platting, site plan and other land development applications.
Writes correspondence and reports; prepares administrative determinations/code interpretations.
Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and other community meetings and/or City Council meetings as needed.
Assist with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code regulations.
Confers with and advises applicants, consultants, and developers to discuss proposed and current development applications and identify and resolve issues related to specific projects.
Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
Works courteously and actively with customers, the public, and other City staff on problem-solving.
Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying and answering telephone.
Maintains and supports a positive, collaborative culture within the City organization as a whole, fully embracing the cultural and values statements espoused by the City.