PLANNING MANAGER

Benton County • Bentonville, AR

1d

About The Position

Under general direction, the Planning Manager plans, organizes, oversees and participates in the review of complex development proposals including site and project designs; construction plans, standards, specifications and criteria, and subdivisions and other master development plans. This position manages the day-to-day operations of the department, prepares long-range planning documents including land-use plans, specific plans, master development plans, and development regulations, etc.; makes development recommendations with suggested stipulations to the Planning Board, the Quorum Court, and community groups; devises solutions to complex development and land use problems; and reviews and supervises the work of other planning and technical staff.  The Planning Manager shall perform the duties of the Flood Plain Manager and Stormwater Manager for the County.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession, development process, a public administration
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics
• Knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Knowledge of the principles of budgeting and finance
• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS; must possess knowledge of GIS applications, data analyses, and GPS data acquisition.
• Create graphics to visually demonstrate planning concepts and to engage in education and outreach
• Knowledge of database design and maintenance of data
• Extensive knowledge in Urbanized MS4 regulations and State permitting procedures
• Extensive knowledge in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Federal laws and Community Rating System (CRS).
• Develop and maintain interpersonal relations by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, coworkers, other agencies and the public. May require attending meetings at various locations during business and non-business hours, including evenings, early mornings and weekends.
• Proven management skills and ability to manage day-to-day operations
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within County policy guidelines and ordinances
• Ability to maintain regular attendance on the job.
• Must demonstrate effective office management skills and responsibility for resources within the Department
• Ability to prioritize multiple interoffice and external matters effectively
• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, landscape architecture, architecture, civil engineering, public administration, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in long-range or current planning, including work with public agencies and experience with preparation and analysis of plans and development proposals.
• Must have a valid Arkansas State Driver's License current driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in planning, urban development, public administration or a related field is highly desirable.
• Direct experience with both stormwater and floodplain programs is preferred.
• Supervisory Experience is preferred.
• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) is desired.
• The ability to create attractive graphics using adobe illustrator, Canva, or some other software is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Reviews commercial and private development such as subdivisions, plats, site plans and other development proposals for recommendation to Planning Board
• Coordinates reviews of commercial and private development for administrative approval such as land splits, cell towers, etc.
• Perform supervisory responsibilities which may include but not limited to interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, directing work to employees; addressing complaints and resolving conflicts in accordance with County policy, and approving timecards.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department.
• Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as assigned.
• Serves as Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) which requires the following specific duties:
• To manage, coordinate, and implement the stormwater management program (Small MS4 Stormwater Program) for Benton County and to coordinate with municipal, state, and federal agencies. This shall include, but not be limited to, developing and/or maintaining the stormwater management plan, administering the tasks in the plan in a timely manner, and preparing and submitting the annual reports as required by ADEQ.
• To assist in administering drainage, flood control, and water quality programs within the County.
• Water quality programs may include state and federal permit requirements related to stormwater runoff including management of public education, illicit discharges, erosion control, post-development runoff BMPs, system maintenance, water quality monitoring, data analysis, and reporting. Drainage and flood control programs include operational maintenance of drainage systems, planning and construction of capital improvements, and basic knowledge of flood plain management.
• Involvement in long-term planning, policy development, and other administrative activities related to the stormwater management program.
• Serves as Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), specific duties herein include:
• Provide administration and management of the County’s stormwater management program.
• Clearly communicate the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the community’s program to the general public, elected and/or appointed community decision makers, developers, architects, engineers, land surveyors, and planners;
• Maintain records and documents that keep the community eligible to participate in the NFIP and the Community Rating System (CRS);
• Assist elected officials in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Floodplain Management Program as well as establishing and maintaining a adopted Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance;
• Review all floodplain related projects received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State Department of Transportation (DOT), community departments, and others to ensure compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the County’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requirements;
• Prepare and/or assist in coordinating FEMA Hazard Mitigation, Flood Mitigation Assistance, and Pre-Disaster Grant Program applications;
• Meet with FEMA and state representatives for Community Assistance Visits (CAV), Community Rating System (CRS) reviews, and other actions for coordination;
• Monitor and coordinate other Federal and State Floodplain Management programs, as applicable. Reviews commercial and private development such as subdivisions, plats, site plans, and other development proposals; for recommendation to Planning Board;
• Develops plans, reports, proposals, communications, and other documents;
• Specifically prepares staff reports on assigned projects and makes recommendations to the Director and the Planning Board;
• Communicates verbally and in writing on an ongoing basis with developers, public agencies, and the general public;
• Prepares short and long-range plans and other planning products in collaboration with the Planning Director
• Develops project methods, processes/procedures, and related documents and forms;
• Gathers, analyzes, interprets, maintains, and reports on planning and related data;
• Conducts site visits and field investigations as required
• Received land use complaints from County residents, and follow the Planning standard operating procedure to gain compliance with Benton County Planning and Development Regulations.
• Delegates tasks related to land use complaints to the Senior Planner and County Planner;
• Oversees the development review process and directly supervises planning staff;
• Possesses detailed knowledge about the Planning Regulations, flood insurance program, and storm water management program;
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Employee Medical
• Basic life and ADD Insurance
• Long‑term disability insurance
• Medical (Spouse/Children)
• Dental, and Vision coverage
• Supplemental life insurance
• Short‑term disability
• Critical Illness coverage
• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans
• Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program
• Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan
• 11 Paid Holidays annually
• Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year)
• Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year)
• Paid Personal Day annually

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager