Senior Planner - Planning Division Manager

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

SENIOR PLANNER - PLANNING DIVISION MANAGER

Community Development

Hiring Range: $87,044.12 to $108,805.15 DOE

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: 118

Deadline to Apply: 1/25/25

Full Pay Range: $87,044.12 to $130,566.17

Major Benefits for Full-Time Regular Employees:

• A diverse range of complimentary mental health and wellness services is available, including an Employee Assistance Program, a free subscription to Calm, and health coaching
• Paid time off up to 20 days in first year of employment
• 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year
• Free employee only coverage for medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance
• Free family coverage for select medical and dental plans
• Pension and long-term disability through Arizona State Retirement System, click here for more details
• Supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance

As a historically rich community with a population of 47,000, Prescott is recognized for its lively center plaza which was named as one of the Top Ten Public Spaces in the United States by the American Planning Association. The hometown/small-town atmosphere is the essence of Prescott's charm, setting it apart from other Arizona cities of comparable size.

Prescott has breathtaking lakes and landscapes turn hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more into everyday excursions, not just weekend getaways. Lively arts, unique culture, rich heritage, and compelling charm are found at every turn along our downtown streets. And when the sun finally sets, a thriving modern nightlife awaits on the historic Whiskey Row. Prescott is truly home to people who do what they love, in a place they love doing it. Prescott is home to natural beauty which is reflected in a number of lakes; Watson, Willow, Lynx, Granite Basin and Goldwater.

We are nestled at an elevation of 5,200′ feet above sea level amongst the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S. Prescott's perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four beautiful and distinct seasons, and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife. Prescott is located half-way between Phoenix and Flagstaff. At a mile high in elevation, Prescott remains about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix and 10 to 15 degrees warmer than Flagstaff. It's the perfect mild, four-season community.

Position Summary:

Oversees day-to-day planning and zoning administration; provides oversight and supervision of the planning group including historic preservation staff, and CDBG staff; manages the public hearing processes of boards, commissions, and committees administered by Community Development; and administers the CDBG grant activities for the City of Prescott.

Essential Duties:

• Provides oversight of the General Plan and community plans; recommends updates; drafts amendments; and acts as overall Master Plan Administrator for the City.
• Supervises assigned staff; oversees and participates in the daily activities of the Planning Division.
• Provides direct planning assistance to customers, including site specific current land use information, General Plan future land use designations, and site/subdivision requirements; evaluates proposed use of land for compatibility with existing development; and recommends modifications to existing plans and codes as needed.
• Provides direct zoning assistance to customers including: answering site specific zoning questions; furnishing site design requirements; and recommending alternative options when appropriate.
• Provides direct historic preservation assistance to customers regarding historic districts and status of individual home historic designations; assists in completing any necessary applications.
• Oversees the permit reviews for planning and zoning code administration, and interpretation of codes and ordinances related to zoning, and governmental regulations.
• Coordinates and reviews outside firms and agencies involved in the preparation and processing of planning projects .
• Reviews applications for development projects and building permits for zoning compliance; arranges field inspections to ensure compliance.
• Prepares a variety of reports, documents, and correspondence related to planning and zoning codes, and other departmental functions.
• Uses established Department software; inputs, retrieves, utilizes, and manages data within the project/permitting/inspection/plan review modules; and assists others in using the software.
• Reviews commercial and residential construction drawings for compliance with planning and zoning requirements; meets with engineers, architects, contractors and building owners concerning issues requiring interpretation of City requirements.
• Makes recommendations on issues both covered and not covered by Department or City policies and procedures.
• Researches, reviews, and analyzes statistical and other reports to determine trends, interests, and environmental impacts of plans and other development projects.
• Oversees or reviews zoning and variance requests.
• Researches requests and develops recommendations to ensure compliance with state and City zoning and code requirements; receives, investigates, and resolves zoning complaints from the public.
• Liaisons with the Neighborhood Services Division for the processing of zoning complaints, including participating in presentations before the Hearing Officer for the City.
• Develops and assists in implementing policies and procedures related to historic preservation, permitting, code review, and general activities of Community Development.
• Oversees CDBG/Department grant administration staff; researches/assists in processing grant proposals for state and federal grant projects.
• Ensures all grants are administered in accordance with applicable guidelines and laws; reviews all required reports; maintains necessary files and records according to established procedures; oversees submittal of reports, financial statements, and drawdowns; and prepares and distributes management reports detailing grant utilization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, or closely related area; three (3) years full, time supervisory/managerial level experience in community development, planning, code development, or closely related work; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements:

AICP Certificate preferred

Possess a valid Arizona driver's license.

Employee Core Beliefs

City of Prescott employees should seek to uphold the City's core beliefs throughout their day-to-day business and with every customer they come in contact with, both internal and external. Our core beliefs are: Act with Integrity, Work as a Team, Have Personal Commitment and Loyalty, Solve Problems, Take Pride In Excellent Results, High Level of Productivity and Being Nice.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the City of Prescott's governmental organization, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and City rules, regulations, policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances related to community and economic development, planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials.
• Knowledge of occupational safety and health regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, practices and principles.
• Knowledge of grant research, application, administration and reporting requirements.
• Skill in supervising, evaluating, training and motivating employees.
• Skill in reading plat plans, engineering drawings, blueprints, as-built plans, and subdivision proposals.
• Skill in safely inspecting or monitoring the inspection and enforcement of code and zoning regulations.
• Skill in communicating via writing for administrative and technical purposes.
• Skill in communicating verbally in both one-on-one and group situations.
• Skill in using established Department software programs for the processing of planning, permitting, inspection, and plan review elements of Community Development applications.
• Skill in utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state/federal/local officials, elected officials, assigned staff, and City residents.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a normal City office environment.
• Safely operates a City vehicle and variety of standard office equipment including a computer terminal, telephone, and copier requiring continuous and repetitive arm, hand, and eye movement.
• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Successful candidate will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include:

• Drug screening
• Motor vehicle records check
• Criminal background screening

Salary : $87,044 - $108,805