Principal Planner

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for coordinating and managing complex planning projects and development proposals; conducting planning-related research and studies; and for formulating creative and responsible recommendations on public policy and complex zoning applications within the scope of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws. Work requires limited supervision and the use of independent judgment and discretion. This is the third level of a three-level planner series.

Requirements

Master's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Public Policy or Environmental Science
five (5) years experience in land use, transportation or urban design planning
experience in using a geographical information system
Valid Driver's License
Knowledge of one or more planning disciplines such as urban design, affordable housing, economic or community development, environmental/natural resources planning, historic preservation or land use
Knowledge of research methods
Knowledge of environmental planning principles
Knowledge of mathematical concepts, including statistical methods
Knowledge of site planning and architectural design principles
Knowledge of planning terminology, methods, materials, practices and techniques
Knowledge of budgeting principles
Knowledge of customer service and public relations principles
Knowledge of mapping software applications
Knowledge of project management principles and practices
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures
Knowledge of grant process and writing
Skill in prioritizing and assigning work
Skill in using computers and related software applications
Skill in providing customer service
Skill in implementing public relations programs
Skill in managing projects
Skill in managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Skill in manipulating Geographic Information System (GIS) data
Skill in managing complex projects
Skill in performing mathematical calculations
Skill in compiling data from multiple external sources
Skill in designing and executing surveys
Skill in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings
Skill in reading maps and scales
Skill in conducting research
Skill in interpreting and applying applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Skill in organizing, collecting and analyzing data
Skill in resolving conflict
Skill in creating and giving presentations
Skill in speaking in public
Skill in effective writing techniques, preparing reports and documents
Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co workers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Responsibilities

Manages and coordinates complex planning projects, development proposals, project reviews, sustainability and special studies which may include, but is not limited to, project feasibility, estimated cost, projected timelines, land use, transportation, urban design, zoning review, zoning text amendments, and other planning needs.
Serves as team leader; formulates project work plan, assigns tasks to team members, monitors task progress, completions, project timelines, and deliverables.
May serve as a lead to lower-level staff which includes prioritizing and assigning work; training staff on work methods and procedures; placing employees on performance review programs.
In the departmental director's absence may assume duties to support the maintenance of departmental functions.
Researches, collects, analyzes and interprets data, information and uses geographical information systems (GIS) tool to evaluate, analyze and query planning-related data.
Develops policy, ordinances, regulations, grant applications, requests for proposals and/or technical reports related to land use, transportation, and capital improvements; resilience sustainability, and incorporates community values and priorities, planning principles and research to formulate recommendations based on findings.
Reviews zoning and development proposals and prepares findings for Planning Commission(s) which includes but is not limited to organizing meetings, preparing informational packets for members and performing other related activities.
Interprets adopted plans, codes, and standards; advises engineers, site planners and the public on proper land use in conformance with existing ordinances, laws, and regulations; and responds to related questions and requests for information.
Creates and updates maps by gathering, reviewing, copying and entering data into the geographical information system.
Develops and organizes the appropriate public process and public meeting design, methods, presentations, materials, and other visual and written communication tools to facilitate project review, public meetings and community outreach; and serves as lead presenter/facilitator for contentious/complex projects.
Collaborate with other departments geared toward leading a project team for ordinance amendments and other special projects.
Represents the City and/or the Agency at a variety of internal and/or external meetings, public events, training sessions, on committees and/or other related events in order to receive and convey information.
Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and to verify development projects comply with approved plans.
Assists in the development of project budgets and verifies contract expenditures and compliance.
Creates a variety of materials such as maps, reports and brochures, visual presentations, site plans and renderings for presentation in meetings and to facilitate community education and outreach activities with neighborhood associations, advisory boards, and elected officials.
Reviews, interprets and applies federal, state and local regulations as they relate to planning projects.
Working with public stakeholders, City Council, the County Commission and other City/County staff to gain insight on community needs through public meetings; and outreach.
Coordinating research to provide analysis and summary of existing conditions and future trends.
Work with neighborhoods and partners on grant projects and implementation to provide expertise regarding urban design and best management practices.
Involvement in the development of policy and creation of new zones and districts.
Performs field research which includes data gathering and mapping.
Administer and implement agency wide standard operating procedures.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.