Senior Planner

City of McMinnville•McMinnville, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of McMinnville is hiring a Senior Planner. This role serves in a lead capacity, providing direct assistance to the Community Development Director as a subject matter expert in various complex land use planning areas, including land use, community development, cultural planning, special planning studies, urban design and architecture, transportation planning, and code and policy development. The Senior Planner assists in implementing regional planning initiatives in coordination with other agencies. As the advanced journey-level classification in the Planner series, this position acts as a team leader, project coordinator, and resource for other planners. It involves providing technical information and interpreting laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations for developers and the public. The Senior Planner conducts research and prepares detailed analyses and recommendations for land use issues, performing complex and challenging specialized functions with minimal direction and supervision. This recruitment will remain open until filled, with a first review date of Monday, September 21st. The City is also recruiting for an Associate Housing Planner.

Requirements

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.
An advanced degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of related experience.
Knowledge of planning and land use laws and comprehensive plans (including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement), environmental studies, urban design/architecture, geography, report preparation, and presentation methods.
Knowledge of data gathering and research techniques.
Knowledge of design and distribution of questionnaires and other citizen survey tools used in the planning process.
Knowledge of theory and methods of formulating land use and other policies.
Knowledge of the methods used for citizen involvement in planning projects.
Knowledge of planning applications for land use theory, urban design, economics, municipal finance, land use law, environmental design, resource development, and ecology.
Knowledge of computer applications for word processing, desk top publishing, creation of spreadsheets and computer-generated business graphics.
Ability to use advanced math tools, such as geometry and statistics.
Ability to conduct on-site inspections at construction sites.
Ability to analyze data gathered and prepare reports and recommendations.
Ability to speak publicly to make reports and informational presentations about planning and community development activities to citizen, business, and other interest groups.
Ability to clearly explain policies, regulations, and procedures orally and in writing.
Ability to identify regulatory actions such as the creation of zoning code provisions or changes in the zoning map that implement the City’s policies.
Ability to design documents to provide information to the public and/or to involve the public in planning issues.
Ability to draft ordinances and resolutions, which amend the City’s policies and/or codes in minor ways.
Ability to prepare reports, including recommendations for the creation or amendment of policy and/or zoning.
Ability to work with organizations to facilitate their development of positions on planning related matters or in the development of their planning documents.
Ability to exemplify traits that reflect the City’s culture, including integrity, customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility, and a willingness to change.
Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history check, driving record check (if driving is required for position), and education/certification verification.
Must provide required documents at the time of application.
Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired.
Demonstrated education, training, or professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Responsibilities

Prepares research reports, plans, maps, and charts related to short- and long-range comprehensive planning, zoning, permits, and community development.
Serves as a project manager in the development of short- and long-range plans through the approval process.
Prepares reports and related data as required and conducts inspections.
Identifies community’s attractors and liabilities as it pertains to planning and makes recommendations to amend the department’s programs and policies appropriately.
Researches, develops, and recommends new programs, projects, or program improvements to enhance the enduring value of the community for future generations.
Manages and participates in large planning projects with developers, agencies, civic groups, and special interests.
Prepares grant application forms and administers grants awarded to the City as assigned.
Prepares requests for proposals, reviews consultant qualifications, negotiates contracts, prepares budgets, and tracks expenses.
Prepares work programs and timelines, reviews consultant work, prepares progress reports and other similar tasks associated with completing the work program.
Develops plans and assists in developing policies and guidelines to direct community growth.
Reviews and analyzes development applications and plans.
Writes ordinances, legal findings, and decision documents.
Presents land-use applications to the Planning Commission and City Council as appropriate.
Reviews development proposals, working with the customer to complete a land use solution that complies with laws and regulations in an expedited process.
Confers with developers and the public in both office and field locations.
Conducts on-site inspections at construction sites.
Oversees the work of outside consultants.
Performs complex and challenging specialized functions with minimum direction and supervision.
Provides general and technical information and interprets planning laws, ordinances, and codes for land developers, the public, and other City staff.
Receives input from citizens and assesses public opinion on planning matters.
Provides staff support to the Planning Commission and various other commissions and committees, including the City Council.
Makes presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding plans and ordinance amendments, conditional uses, rezones, etc.
Attends meetings and hearings with official and public groups and contributes to such, with discussions and presentation of materials, as assigned or appropriate.
Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans.
Administers zoning ordinances and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission as appropriate.
Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.
Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
Performs major work toward implementation of City plans and policies with State and regional planning agencies, including evaluating and preparing reports on the relationship of existing City policies and regulations to State and regional planning goals, policies, and regulations.
Prepares reports for review by Department and City management indicating how State and regional goals, policies, and regulations affect the City, including suggesting appropriate courses of action.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
Participate in committees when requested.
Maintain proficiency in job requirements which may include attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
Maintain confidentiality, data integrity and comply with all related city, state, and federal standards related to confidentiality.
Perform routine and complex technical work to develop, maintain, and support the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Planning Division (if applicable).
Participate on interdepartmental teams and collaborate with the Engineering Division's GIS/CAD Specialist on GIS projects and initiatives (if applicable).
Create, refine, and maintain ArcGIS Online map services, web maps, and StoryMaps (if applicable).
Research, analyze, design, and develop GIS data, applications, and mapping solutions (if applicable).
Develop, maintain, and improve automated GIS systems and related information resources (if applicable).
Assist with short- and long-range GIS planning, analysis, and implementation (if applicable).
Update and maintain GIS property, zoning, and land use data (if applicable).