Principal Planner #3402 - Planning - Public Works Division

Hamilton County•Chattanooga, TN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for coordinating and managing complex planning projects and development proposals. The role involves conducting planning-related research and studies, and formulating creative and responsible recommendations on public policy and complex zoning applications within the scope of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and laws. Essential functions may include various tasks related to project management, research, policy development, public outreach, and field inspections.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Urban Design, Public Policy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
Three (3) years of direct work experience in urban planning, urban design, zoning, development review, project management, or work in a geographical information system.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.

Nice To Haves

Direct work experience in plat review is preferred but not required for this position.
Direct work experience in subdivision regulation review is preferred but not required for this position.
Direct work experience in GIS utilization is preferred but not required for this position.
An American Institute of Certified Planners certification (AICP)is preferred but not required for this position.

Responsibilities

Manages and coordinates complex planning projects, development proposals, project reviews and special studies which may include, but is not limited to, project feasibility, estimated cost, projected timelines, land use, transportation, urban design, 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 mentor to staff which includes prioritizing and assigning work; training staff on work methods and procedures.
In the absence of immediate supervisor or senior management, may be assigned 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.
In partnership with senior management, develops policy, ordinances, regulations, grant applications, requests for proposals and/or technical reports related to land use, transportation, and capital improvements; 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).
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 written communication tools to facilitate project review, public meetings and community outreach; and serves as lead presenter/facilitator for contentious/complex projects.
Represents the County 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.
Attends a substantial number of night and evening meetings.
Reviews, interprets and applies federal, state and local regulations as they relate to planning projects.
Performs other duties as assigned.