Sr Planner

City of Arlington•Arlington, TX

2d•$70,994 - $88,742

About The Position

Under general direction, the Sr Planner leads and manages planning teams responsible for long-range plans and studies, current planning activities, staff reports, ordinance revisions, and technical planning and zoning assistance to the public and city departments. The position may negotiate complex consultant and professional service contracts and oversee the development of plans and documents to ensure alignment with Council priorities, the department’s work plan, and public input. The Sr Planner researches and develops project objectives, development programs, alternative solutions, design guidelines, neighborhood plans, and budgets, and prepares reports presenting data, findings, and recommendations. The position reviews development and land-use permit applications, plans, and variances for compliance with established plans, ordinances, and applicable regulations. It coordinates input and hearings, monitors applications through approval, enforces regulatory compliance, responds to inquiries, and provides professional planning, economic development, and community development guidance. The role facilitates meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, community groups, consultants, City Council, and other groups. Additional duties include managing development of the Comprehensive Plan; evaluating demographic, zoning, economic, geographic, and infrastructure information; maintaining planning databases; and administering zoning, platting, variance, special-exception, ordinance, and code-amendment processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography/GIS, political science/public administration, architecture, environmental science, landscape architecture, business, or a related field.
Two years of related experience.
Knowledge of urban planning, landscape architecture, economics, social sciences, engineering, or statistics principles, concepts, practices, and theories.
Knowledge and experience related to GIS, including creating maps and preparing audiovisual presentations.
Knowledge and experience in research methodology and techniques for organizing and analyzing complex data, including project management, spreadsheet, database, and word-processing applications.
Skill in researching, analyzing, and generating data and formulating conclusions and recommendations.
Effective oral, graphic, and written communication with city employees, the public, consultants, boards, commissions, and City Council.
Skill in presenting complex issues to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, other boards and commissions, and the general public.
Ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary and diverse project teams.
Working knowledge of department processes, ordinances, and policies.
Ability to operate a personal computer, GIS and related software, including graphics, visualization, and city-specific programs, as well as a digital camera and scanner.
Ability to perform physical activities including lifting, seeing, typing, and writing.
Must successfully complete pre-employment screening, including an MVR check, drug and alcohol screening, and criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography/GIS, political science/public administration, architecture, environmental science, landscape architecture, business, or a related field.
AICP certification.
Professional experience in an architectural or design-focused environment, with emphasis on form-based code and design.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage teams conducting long-range planning, studies, and current planning assignments.
Prepare and present staff reports and ordinance revisions, and provide technical planning and zoning assistance to the public and city departments.
Negotiate complex consultant and professional service contracts and oversee plans and documents for alignment with Council priorities, department work plans, and public input.
Research and develop project objectives, development programs, alternative solutions, design guidelines, neighborhood plans, and budgets; prepare reports with data, findings, and recommendations.
Review development and land-use permit applications, development plans, and variance applications.
Evaluate applications for compliance with plans, ordinances, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations; coordinate staff input and hearings, monitor approvals, and enforce compliance.
Respond to inquiries and provide technical and professional information, assistance, and guidance on planning, economic development, and community development.
Facilitate meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, community groups, consultants, City Council, and other groups as assigned.
Manage development of the Comprehensive Plan and related activities.
Write reports requiring limited editing and evaluate demographic, zoning, economic, geographic, and infrastructure information.
Design, organize, and oversee ongoing maintenance of databases for demographics, growth and development monitoring, and application reviews.
Administer zoning, platting, variance, special-exception, ordinance and code amendment processes, and related activities.
Thoroughly evaluate subdivision plats, development plans, and zoning cases, and train staff on these reviews.
Initiate, design, coordinate, and manage planning projects and coordinate projects across departments.