PLANNER II

City of Amarillo•Amarillo, TX

20h•$35,388 - $45,167

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Planner and Director of Planning, performs technical work related to current and comprehensive planning, with a focus on customer service and processing department cases. The position supports the administration of zoning, subdivision, and other planning ordinances; reviews development proposals and site plans; coordinates application review with other city departments and utility companies; and provides planning information and technical guidance to applicants and the public. The role prepares staff reports, presents information to boards and commissions as needed, assists with public-facing informational materials, maintains planning-related records and data, and conducts research and special studies. It also supports ordinance updates, collects and graphically displays data, and cross-trains in long-range planning duties. The City may consider related education and experience when determining minimum qualifications and starting salary. The position has three possible classifications with different education and experience requirements: Planning Technician, Planner I, and Planner II. Typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most work is performed indoors at a desk. Attendance and assistance at public meetings and workshops may be required, many of which occur in the evening. Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.
Familiarity and skill with office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook or similar applications, and small office equipment such as phones, copiers, and printers.
Professional writing skills for drafting public meeting agendas, minutes, and technical communications.
Ability to conduct and summarize research and review and understand technical documents.
Group facilitation skills for public workshops and meetings with external customers.
Project management experience, including managing multiple tasks and balancing priorities.
Ability to research, analyze, and generate data, and formulate conclusions related to urban planning and/or community and economic development.
Knowledge of fundamental city planning principles, concepts, and practices.
General knowledge of professional office protocols, policies, and equipment.
Ability to communicate complex information verbally or in writing to a variety of audiences.
Planning Technician: High school diploma or GED and a valid Texas Driver's License are required.
Planner I: Bachelor's degree and one year of related experience are required; a valid Texas Driver's License is required.
Planner II: Bachelor's degree in Planning, GIS, Architecture, or a related field and at least three years of related experience are required; a Master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience; a valid Texas Driver's License is required.

Nice To Haves

Planning Technician: Associate's degree in planning, GIS, architecture, construction management, or a related field.
Planning Technician: Two years of experience in plan review, zoning, or surveying.
Planner I: Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Planning, GIS, Geography, Architecture, or Engineering, and one year of urban planning experience in the public or private sector.
Planner II: Experience with GIS software.
Ability to operate highly technical computer applications such as GIS or CAD.
Ability to use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Google applications, and SketchUp to create materials.
Knowledge of real estate, land development, engineering, and architectural terminology.

Responsibilities

Assist in administering zoning, subdivision, and other planning-related ordinances.
Review development proposals and site plans for compliance with ordinances and regulations.
Coordinate application review with other city departments and utility companies.
Prepare staff reports and present them to boards and commissions as needed.
Interpret and apply applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Provide technical information to developers, builders, surveyors, engineers, and the public on zoning, subdivision, and current planning matters.
Provide the public with information about development regulations.
Assist in preparing public informational materials describing Planning Department responsibilities and procedures.
Assist with updating the plat ledger and pro rata fee account book and entering related data into appropriate computer applications.
Conduct special studies and perform related duties supporting the Planning Department.
Prepare and present detailed reports on development-related data for City staff.
Research planning-related ordinances and assist with ordinance updates.
Cross-train in long-range planning duties.
Collect, interpret, and graphically display data.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.