Principal Planner (not an arborist)

Hall County•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

Supervises long range planning staff in implementation of the county development review process, zoning ordinances, annexation requests, and the comprehensive plan. Oversees staff in preparation of technical reports, mapping, and related planning functions. Coordinates with other county departments and state agencies. Serves as a chief liaison between the county and development community regarding the development review process. Serves as the chief arborist for the county and develops, implements, and maintains the county’s tree ordinances; assists citizens, developers, and the Planning Commission with tree-related problems and questions; reviews tree protection plans submitted by architects and engineers to determine compliance with ordinances in order to protect and preserve the county’s existing trees; and serves as the lead technical resource on tree preservation and related issues for various departments and agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or related field and seven years relevant experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.
Valid Class I Driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Knowledge of comprehensive planning principles, including forecasting and project feasibility analysis.
Knowledge of cartography, cadastral mapping, and surveying fundamentals.
Knowledge of site planning and urban design principles and practices.
Knowledge of Georgia land use laws and local regulations.
Knowledge of tree culture, biology, and protection.
Knowledge of the County’s tree and other related ordinances.
Ability to use personal computer in research and analysis for record management and statistical reporting.
Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the general public.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read zoning maps and legal descriptions.
Ability to prepare and present a variety of concise reports for oral and written presentation.
Ability to read and interpret site plans, specifications, and blueprints.
Ability to handle stressful or hostile situations with tact and courtesy.
Ability to make independent decisions and to use sound judgement.
Ability to interpret and enforce codes and ordinances with tact, firmness, and impartiality.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners desirable.
Arborist Certification (or ability to attain within 1 year)

Responsibilities

Coordinates daily activities of long range planning staff.
Assists in interpretation of regulations related to zoning, annexation and related issues with a goal towards implementing best management practices during the site plan review process.
Serves as the development review coordinator. Supervises staff in implementation of the county development review process.
Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Oversees the review, implementation, and enforcement of the county’s Tree Preservation Ordinance.
Coordinates meetings with the public, as well as private developers, regarding rezoning requests.
Represents the Department at various local and regional planning events.
Coordinates with contractors, developers, and other county staff to review plans, analyze site limitations, plant choices, planting techniques, and maintenance requirements, compliance with plan specifications and prepare reports to staff.
Advises county by identifying hazardous trees and conditions, as well as provides appropriate and prioritized schedules for removal, pruning, fertilizing, spraying and treatment of trees to eliminate harmful insects, injury and disease and to promote shapely and healthy growth.
Addresses large-tract development with regards to tree recompense requirements.
Performs code audit of existing tree ordinances relating to commercial and residential development within the county to determine where inadequacies are found; and
Serves as advisor when creating policies on arbor activities and long-term program goals and objectives.
Provides public information on tree care procedures by preparing and presenting informational materials.
Oversees and conducts planning studies, forecasts, and makes policy recommendations to Director regarding population, land use, transportation and environmental design, economic development and capital improvement.
Coordinates site-check evaluation for zoning review and to ensure proper site notification.
Provides zoning interpretation and research to Commission and Administration in absence of Director.
Researches and evaluates zoning and annexation cases to provide staff support for Boards’ decisions.
Provides information to the public about compliance with zoning requirements and assists the public in researching zoning and annexation cases.
Accepts, processes, and maintains zoning applications.
Assists with preparation of zoning maps, legal ads, staff reports, and notifications.
Provides advice and technical assistance to Planning Commission in absence of Director
Coordinates subdivision and zoning administration review with other departments, Planning Commission, and Board of Commissioners.
Develops code amendments as needed.
Collects, analyzes, forecasts, and publishes demographic and economic data.
Plans, assigns, checks and approves work, and trains subordinate staff.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.