Senior Planner - Long-Range Transportation Planning Assignment

City of Mesa•Mesa, AZ

About The Position

The current vacancy is for the Long-Range Transportation Planning Assignment and will be filled at either the Planner I, Planner II, or Senior Planner level. This role involves performing professional planning tasks related to research, analysis, and technical assistance for the City’s long-range transportation and mobility goals. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, reviewing plans and proposals for consistency with City policies, supporting the implementation of transportation plans, researching grant opportunities, and collaborating with various departments and stakeholders. The specific duties and level of responsibility increase with each position level (Planner I, Planner II, Senior Planner), with the Senior Planner leading complex initiatives and serving as a subject matter specialist.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field.
Some (6 months - 1 year) experience in conducting research and analyzing problems and issues related to City planning and land-use controls (for Planner I).
At least two years’ professional planning experience (for Planner II).
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or a related field (based on assignment) (for Senior Planner).
Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License within 90 days of hire or promotion date (for Planner II and Senior Planner).

Nice To Haves

Certification and Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners and National and State Planning Associations are highly desirable (for Planner I).
Registration as an Architect or Landscape Architect and ArcView/ArcInfo experience is highly desirable (for Planner I).
Internet/web page development is also desirable (for Planner I).
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in the same fields of study is preferred (for Planner II).
Certification and membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners and National and State Planning Associations are preferred (for Planner II).
Registration as an Architect or Landscape Architect is highly desirable (for Planner II).
Good (1 - 3 years) experience reviewing development proposals, working with databases and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and/or ArcView, and experience with group facilitation are also highly desirable (for Planner II).
Internet and/or web page development is desirable (for Planner II).
American Institute of Certified Planners certification and graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree are highly desirable (for Senior Planner).

Responsibilities

Conducting research, analyzing data, evaluating findings, and identifying best practices as it relates to the General Plan and Mesa Zoning ordinance potential modifications.
Reviewing submissions against the General Plan and City ordinances.
Providing information and explanation to developers, architects, and the general public about the City’s ordinances and development standards.
Processing applications to the Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Adjustment, and the Design Review Board including writing reports and making oral presentations.
Processing annexation requests.
Reviewing and processing administrative review cases including preparing the approval letters.
Reviewing and processing subdivisions.
Analyzing land-use patterns and demographic patterns.
Collecting, compiling, and analyzing transportation, land use, demographic, and development data to identify trends and support planning efforts.
Researching current transportation planning practices and assisting in reviewing reports, plans, studies, development proposals, site plans, schematics, and technical drawings for consistency with City plans, policies, and standards.
Supporting implementation of assigned elements of the Mesa General Plan, Mesa Transportation Master Plan, and other transportation plans and studies.
Researching grant opportunities and assisting with related grant activities.
Collaborating with Planning Division staff and other City departments on transportation and land use planning initiatives, including zoning amendments and development proposals that impact transportation and mobility.
Conducting transportation and land use planning activities that support the City’s long-range mobility and development goals.
Interpreting transportation, land use, demographic, and development data to identify trends, evaluate transportation needs, and inform planning recommendations.
Reviewing and evaluating reports, plans, studies, development proposals, site plans, schematics, and technical drawings to assess consistency with City plans, policies, and standards, while identifying potential impacts to the transportation network.
Implementing and assisting in updating assigned elements of the Mesa General Plan, Mesa Transportation Master Plan, and other transportation plans, policies, and studies.
Researching transportation planning practices and emerging issues, applying findings to City programs and policies.
Identifying and evaluating grant opportunities and assisting with the preparation and administration of transportation planning grants.
Collaborating with Planning Division staff, Transportation staff, other City departments, outside agencies, consultants, and stakeholders on transportation and land use planning initiatives, including zoning amendments and development policies affecting mobility and transportation.
Leading complex transportation and land use planning efforts that advance the City’s long-range mobility and development objectives.
Developing high-level planning recommendations based on collected data.
Conducting research on best practices and analyzing transportation and land use information to support the City’s mobility goals.
Reviewing and interpreting reports, plans, and studies to inform recommendations and assess potential impacts on the transportation network.
Leading planning initiatives by evaluating development proposals for consistency with City plans, policies, and standards by interpreting site plans, schematics, and technical drawings.
Coordinating with Planning Division staff on zoning amendments related to transportation and land use planning.