Performs work of moderate difficulty in professional municipal planning; assists developers and the public in applying planning and zoning regulations and City information sources to development projects, technical issues and land use plans.
Environmental Factors

Work is performed in an office setting.

Physical Factors

Light physical demands; mostly desk work. Frequent use of a personal computer.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.
This posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular, exempt position, but may be used to fill other full-time, temporary, contract, or other similar positions that become available in various City Departments. Some duties may vary based on assignment. 
This position is graded at an RX17. 

• Provides technical and professional planning services to achieve consistent and controlled growth in the City; assures project plans are in conformance to City goals, and in compliance with local, state and Federal codes and regulations.
• Reviews and evaluates development proposals, development designs, applications, planning and zoning changes, variance requests, technical documents and special permits for compliance with City standards and regulatory requirements; answers inquiries and assists the public and other agencies in matters relating to planning, zoning and permit review, and other City standards and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority.
• Reviews and processes a variety of applications, permits and plans; creates correspondence and reports, and coordinates with customers as needed; reviews development plans with residents, developers and builders; develops recommendations, and summarizes all issues for presentation to the City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission.
• Manages special projects as assigned; conducts research and analysis on permits, plans, rules and regulations; conducts field surveys to evaluate sites and determine suitability of proposed land use changes; researches planning issues and regulations, and provides data on land use issues and related subjects as requested.
• Participates in meetings with government officials and community groups; provides information to the Planning & Zoning Commission, the City Manager, City Council and other City departments as needed; coordinates with various regional government organizations, community groups, and state and Federal agencies; attends public meetings and presents information on regional planning and zoning issues.

Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Engineering, Earth Sciences or a related field PLUS two years municipal, urban or regional planning experience. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Licenses/Certifications
Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.Knowledge of: Principles of land use planning; City Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes; City, county, state and Federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to community planning; research techniques for land use trends and regulations; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques, and computer software used in planning, drafting, mapping, and statistical analysis as applied to land use; principles of record keeping and records management; business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications; City policies and procedures.
 
Skills in: Researching and analyzing the factors affecting community planning projects; organizing, evaluating, analyzing and presenting data and information; preparing reports and checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects; analyzing planning issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings; maintaining accurate and interrelated technical records.
 
Ability to: Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and customers; understanding and interpreting land use regulations, zoning enforcement and state and Federal laws.