Senior Planner- $7,500 Sign on Bonus

Urban Planner Position

Under general supervision, this position performs professional level urban planning tasks involving comprehensive planning, development review, and land use and zoning activities, and conducts special projects for the department. Reports to the Principal Planner.

The essential functions identified for this job are:

• Researches, analyzes, and provides recommendations for potential amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use and Development Code;
• Under direction, organizes, prepares, and presents plans, studies, and staff reports to the Planning Board, other boards, committees, and the public as needed;
• Prepares public notices related to planning and zoning applications and presents them to the supervisor(s) prior to the scheduled deadlines;
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding land use and development matters, Town ordinances, and applicable state regulations; communicates and reports complex matters and inquiries to the Principal Planner and Director for direction and official interpretation of policies and regulations;
• Presents site development plans at the Development Review Team (DRT) and oversees the distribution of plans, review comments, and preparation of meeting notes, and maintenance of development files;
• Reviews applications requiring Planning and Zoning approval; and works with the Principal Planner and the Chief Building Official to prepare review comments or letters of incompleteness if warranted;
• Prepares or initiates preparation of grant applications and supervises the management of grants including completing funding requirements within the prescribed timeframe, keeping detailed expenditure information and reporting to the funding agencies;
• Prepares maps and/or graphics for projects and staff reports as needed;
• Conducts site visits and inspections at different stages of the development review process;
• Evaluates development impacts on environmental conditions and reports to the supervisor(s) for appropriate mitigation measures;
• Frequently assesses the quality of applications, forms, and the posted information for quality and accuracy and makes or proposes changes to the supervisor(s);
• Maintains a high level of communication and daily contacts with the supervisor(s) on all matters related to duties and when the official interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use and Development Code is needed;
• Attends daytime and evening meetings of Town advisory boards and the Town Council as needed; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal Planner and Department Director.

Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from an accredited program or related area of study and a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in local government planning; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. AICP certification is desired. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Critical skills/expertise identified for this job includes:

• High level of knowledge of urban planning and the ability to apply this knowledge in dealing with land development and zoning issues;
• Knowledge of grant development and administration, and the ability to apply this knowledge in managing town's grant management responsibilities;
• Ability to read, apply, and explain Town codes, policies, and ordinances and resolutions;
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
• Ability to review, analyze, and provide meaningful comment(s) regarding plans and development applications as related to the town's comprehensive plan and Land Use and Development Code;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond to inquiries and to prepare technical reports;
• Ability to follow complex oral and written directions and instructions;
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of supervision;
• Ability to work effectively and courteously with the public, other employees, and entities associated with the land development process;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with staff and supervisor(s).