Planner I, II, or III - Planning & Development

City of Manhattan Kansas•Manhattan, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Planner performs planning functions to guide the growth and development of the City in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plans and regulations, by using sound planning principles and practices for data collection, performing research, and in developing projections, reports, plans, policies, initiatives, and recommendations related to applicable community issues. This position also assists with other planning activities, as needed. As such, this position must possess considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning, applicable planning law, and the planning process. The Planner II position may rest within the Development Review Division or Planning Division of the Planning & Development Department and is responsible for primary tasks and duties relevant to the applicable division. However, this position may occasionally be assigned secondary tasks and duties of the other division as needed. Within the Planning Division: This position primarily guides the long-term growth and development of the City in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. As such, this position must use sound planning principles and practices through data collection, research and analysis, projections, reports, mapping, modeling, and public input. The Planner II under this division creates area plans, initiatives, recommendations, and policies using these principles and practices. Within the Development Review Division: This position primarily administers the development review process, guiding applicants through various land-use actions, while adhering to applicable regulations, such as the Manhattan Development Code and Kansas statute. As such, this position must use sound planning principles and practices thorough knowledge of planning law, the development process, file and project management, application processing, and public interface. The Planner II under this division produces reports and recommendations and works directly with applicants using these principles and practices. The Planner III position may rest within the Development Review Division or Planning Division of the Community Development Department and is responsible for primary tasks and duties relevant to the applicable division. However, this position may occasionally be assigned secondary tasks and duties of the other division as needed. Within the Planning Division: This position primarily guides the long-term growth and development of the City in accordance with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. As such, this position must use using sound planning principles and practices through data collection, research and analysis, projections, reports, mapping, modeling, and public input. The Planner III under this division creates area plans, initiatives, recommendations, and policies using these principles and practices. Within the Development Review Division: This position primarily administers the development review process, guiding applicants through various land-use actions, while adhering to applicable regulations, such as the Manhattan Development Code and Kansas statute. As such, this position must use sound planning principles and practices thorough knowledge of planning law, the development process, file and project management, application processing, and public interface. The Planner III under this division produces reports and recommendations and works directly with applicants using these principles and practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, or another related field.
Valid driver’s license.
One (1) year of prior, related experience.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in municipal public-sector planning OR certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably in municipal public-sector planning Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Urban Planning.
Course work, degree specialization, and/or practical knowledge and work experience in the applicable planning focus area.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.

Responsibilities

Manages planning-related projects as assigned. Duties include coordination of communication among various parties, meeting deadlines, allocating resources, and alerting management to any issues or challenges.
Assists in providing direction and training to Planning Interns, as needed.
Evaluates completeness and accuracy of development applications, legal notices, staff reports, planning studies, and data analysis.
Reads and interprets various types of planning maps, subdivision plats, legal descriptions, site plans, and architectural drawings.
Analyzes and interprets applicable comprehensive plans, ordinances, and regulations.
Reviews development applications and site plans in accordance with professional planning procedures to provide for orderly growth of the city.
Manages planning-related studies and projects based on current community priorities.
Conduct research on various planning issues and assist with developing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives to address needs within the community.
Uses computer technology to conduct research, and prepare visual graphics, studies, plans, reports, maps, and presentations, including proficiency in GIS analysis, PowerPoint, word processing, and spreadsheets.
Responds to planning-related inquiries.
Provides high-quality customer service while performing research, analyzing information, summarizing information into different media including emails, reports, and responses.
Performs additional support duties as required.
Serves as the primary staff liaison to City boards and committees, which includes preparing staff reports, minutes, meeting packets, and agendas; as well as developing recommendations and making staff presentations at meetings.
Assists Community Development Department personnel in conducting other projects and/or development reviews.
Prepares visual aids and makes public presentations in a competent and professional manner that are appropriately tailored to the specific topic and target audience.
Night and weekend meetings and events, usually 1-3 times per month
Other duties as assigned.
Researches challenges, policies, and programs to inform the issue. This could include focus areas like housing or resiliency planning.
Provides supervision over Community Development interns.

Benefits

Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
Education Reimbursement, Professional Development.
Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.