Senior Planner

City of Lewisville, TX • Cocoa, FL

4d • $74,622 - $106,279

About The Position

The Senior Planner reviews plans and site plans for conformance with the Unified Development Code, makes recommendations, provides staff support to citizen boards, conducts research, and supervises the development review process to promote compliance, accuracy, efficiency, and exemplary customer service. The role coordinates development review among internal departments and external agencies, advises the City Manager’s office on development matters, and serves as an ombudsman to the development and business community. It also monitors and recommends improvements to the development review process, including potential code revisions and customer satisfaction measures.

This is primarily a sedentary office position in an office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. The role also involves occasional field work and attendance at evening, night, and weekend meetings. The schedule follows the City of Lewisville’s flexible work week, typically Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30–11:30 a.m. The salary range is $74,622–$106,279, with a hiring range of $74,622–$83,214.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field; an acceptable combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses may substitute for the specified requirements.
• Five years of professional planning experience; an acceptable combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses may substitute for the specified requirements.
• Obtain American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within one year of hire.
• Submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Possess a valid State of Texas Class C driver’s license and a good driving record as defined by City policy.
• Knowledge of city planning, land use, zoning, public administration, applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and computer programs including Microsoft Office, internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, and GIS.
• Skills in computer use, word processing, email, internet applications, basic mapping, drafting and photography, problem-solving, analytical research, and applying mathematical techniques to practical solutions.
• Ability to build effective working relationships, resolve complaints, work on visible or controversial projects, take responsibility, follow instructions and safety practices, maintain punctuality and attendance, work effectively with diverse people, perform accurate and thorough work, communicate clearly, interpret ordinances and codes, communicate with the public, and manage projects to firm deadlines.
• Ability to attend evening, night, and weekend meetings.
• Ability to meet the physical and working-condition requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual ability preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze plats, site plans, subdivision and development proposals; conduct site visits and discussions with developers and engineers; and prepare written recommendations for boards.
• Advise developers, architects, builders, and the public on development issues.
• Review and analyze Zoning Board of Adjustment cases and prepare written recommendations.
• Provide staff support for departmental boards, including preparing and providing agendas, minutes, and related materials.
• Conduct research projects and prepare reports.
• Coordinate complex commercial and residential projects with internal departments and work with departments on sensitive development issues.
• Advise the City Manager’s office on development-related issues.
• Receive, process, schedule, and facilitate pre-development and Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting requests; oversee and facilitate meetings and follow-up meetings; and develop DRC agendas.
• Serve as an ombudsman to the development and business community.
• Prepare reports on development review operations, processes, and activities, and recommend improvements or modifications.
• Communicate and build relationships with governmental entities to improve inter-agency collaboration and efficiency.
• Work with department directors to assign work and deadlines to professional staff on the development review team.
• Recommend and coordinate process changes, including necessary code revisions, to improve permitting compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement customer satisfaction surveys throughout the development process.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with the public, vendors, contractors, customers, board members, and staff in writing, online, and by phone.
• Manage the Development Activity Report and use project management software to support efficient processing.
• Make presentations at City Council and other City board meetings.
• Develop metrics, goals, and reports to monitor the efficiency and accuracy of the development review process.
• Help maintain consistent development review standards in Bluebeam.
• Attend assigned evening and/or weekend meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package designed to support employees at work, at home, and throughout their careers.
• Flexible work week with a shorter Friday.

What This Job Offers

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