Planner I

City of Grand Rapids•1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this job is to assist the public at counter and over the phone to interpret and administer the zoning ordinance. Works with developers and prepares cases for review by the Planning Commission. Performs various outreach efforts regarding planning and zoning, including plan and permit review and approval and other tasks as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field
Some related work experience which could be satisfied through the completion of an internship or directly related project
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities
Knowledge of: English grammar, spelling, punctuation
Knowledge of: Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
Knowledge of: State statutes and municipal ordinances which apply to municipal planning in Grand Rapids
Knowledge of: Census procedures and the application of demographics to municipal planning
Knowledge of: Zoning case law and past precedents
Knowledge of: Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan.
Knowledge of: City and departmental priorities
Knowledge of: Urban design
Skill in: Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
Skill in: Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Skill in: Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
Skill in: Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
Skill in: Verbal and written communication
Ability to: Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
Ability to: Understand and carry out oral and written directions
Ability to: Apply, or learn Computer Aided Drafting procedure
Ability to: Perform research and to accurately represent the City's position in regards to the municipal ordinances as they apply to the master plan and zoning regulations
Ability to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to: Prepare accurate reports and figures
Ability to: Explain complex site and building issues
Ability to: Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Ability to: Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Ability to: Make moderate discretionary decisions and interpretations of ordinance

Nice To Haves

May perform drafting duties using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) tools or traditional methods

Responsibilities

Provides counter and phone assistance to respond to public inquiries regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances
Assists higher planners on assigned projects or portions of projects involving a variety of urban planning projects; including the City's master plan; compiles and analyzes data on current conditions and trends such as land use, population and housing; assists in census analysis; prepares statistical data as required
Performs research on zoning regulations which impact various neighborhoods within the City; assists in drafting responses to developers' questions concerning zoning matters; participates in meetings with property owners and developers; reviews plans for conformance with regulations
Assists in the preparation of supporting materials for presentation at various planning and/or zoning meetings; responds to questions from meeting participants and researches answers for later presentation; prepares documentation to support departmental position on diverse matters
Works with Code Compliance division staff to compile data and provide various reports and records for documentation purposes, accountability and future reference
Communicates with developers, engineers, design professionals, city administrators, regulatory agencies, and the public in regard to land use and zoning
Assists with building permit and land use site plan reviews to ensure that zoning requirements and decisions/stipulations of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Commission are being incorporated in the land development and use process
May perform drafting duties using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) tools or traditional methods; submits projects for review to a senior level planner
Provides intern guidance
Performs related work as required

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
Twelve Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation and Sick Time
Paid Parking (if applicable)
Employee Home Ownership Incentive
Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
Employee Discounts and Perks