Planner

City of Bentonville•Bentonville, AR

2d•$26 - $28

About The Position

Development Services Division: Assists in the administration of development and zoning ordinances adopted by the City in accordance with the City’s comprehensive plan; conducts planning research and assists in the development of planning documents. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned. When Assigned duties in the Development Services Division: Meets daily with walk-in customers, answers phone calls and has a high degree of interaction with the public to help educate and navigate the planning process. Conducts preliminary and conceptual reviews for applicants to highlight fatal flaws and shape projects for success. Prepares meeting minutes to document and provide an accurate record of public meetings. Utilizes City provided information technology platforms such as GIS, Civic Clerk, Trakit, video conferencing and other applications to coordinate and automate planning processes. Conversant in modern methods of planning such a traditional neighborhood design, transit-oriented development, sustainable development, placemaking and other concepts. Assists in the continuous improvement of the Planning Department through 6 sigma, lean production or other methods that empower the front line to direct where change is needed most. Demonstrates a familiarity with Arkansas planning law, public noticing requirements and ethics. Able to manage a wide variety of tasks while focusing on accuracy and schedule. Reviews plans and specifications for subdivision and other developments for compliance with the City’s development and zoning ordinances. Reviews petitions for variances, annexations, street and alley closings, and abandonments. Coordinates plan reviews plans with department heads and utility companies. Prepares reports for the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment; maintains records of decisions by the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Inspects properties, structures, and facilities for compliance with approved development plans. . Prepares staff reports for Planning Commission making finding and conditions of project approval. Summarizes information from maps, reports, field and file investigations, and books. Answers public inquiries and conducts field interviews regarding planning and permit matters. Assists with the development of reports and presentations to various boards and commissions. Analyzes and develops solutions to planning issues. Conducts planning research including demographic and statistical analyses, surveys of existing conditions, and projections of need in the areas of land use, utilities, transportation, solid waste, public protection, recreation, housing, and social services programs. Coordinates and assists in community outreach programs for community volunteer projects. Develops and implements special projects and state/federal grant projects; creates and updates information systems and maps of the City. Deal courteously & diplomatically with the general public. Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and two (2) to Five (5) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of planning administration and laws; including forecasting and feasibility analysis; and knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and “ESRI” GIS.
Ability to read and comprehend codes, specifications, legal descriptions, maps, development plans and plats.
Ability to confer with owners and others to provide accurate information concerning codes.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to calculate figures, and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Experience in various creative software such as Canva and Adobe programs.
Knowledge in marketing such as social media marketing, communications, press releases, etc.

Responsibilities

Meets daily with walk-in customers, answers phone calls and has a high degree of interaction with the public to help educate and navigate the planning process.
Conducts preliminary and conceptual reviews for applicants to highlight fatal flaws and shape projects for success.
Prepares meeting minutes to document and provide an accurate record of public meetings.
Utilizes City provided information technology platforms such as GIS, Civic Clerk, Trakit, video conferencing and other applications to coordinate and automate planning processes.
Conversant in modern methods of planning such a traditional neighborhood design, transit-oriented development, sustainable development, placemaking and other concepts.
Assists in the continuous improvement of the Planning Department through 6 sigma, lean production or other methods that empower the front line to direct where change is needed most.
Demonstrates a familiarity with Arkansas planning law, public noticing requirements and ethics.
Able to manage a wide variety of tasks while focusing on accuracy and schedule.
Reviews plans and specifications for subdivision and other developments for compliance with the City’s development and zoning ordinances.
Reviews petitions for variances, annexations, street and alley closings, and abandonments.
Coordinates plan reviews plans with department heads and utility companies.
Prepares reports for the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment; maintains records of decisions by the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
Inspects properties, structures, and facilities for compliance with approved development plans.
Prepares staff reports for Planning Commission making finding and conditions of project approval.
Summarizes information from maps, reports, field and file investigations, and books.
Answers public inquiries and conducts field interviews regarding planning and permit matters.
Assists with the development of reports and presentations to various boards and commissions.
Analyzes and develops solutions to planning issues.
Conducts planning research including demographic and statistical analyses, surveys of existing conditions, and projections of need in the areas of land use, utilities, transportation, solid waste, public protection, recreation, housing, and social services programs.
Coordinates and assists in community outreach programs for community volunteer projects.
Develops and implements special projects and state/federal grant projects; creates and updates information systems and maps of the City.
Deal courteously & diplomatically with the general public.
Performs other related duties as required.