PLANNER II

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Planning Director, the Planner II is responsible for planning, zoning, code enforcement and other development activities for the Town of Christiansburg.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists in preparation of the comprehensive plan; researches and analyzes statistical, mapping, building, transportation, census, and tax data to determine past and current growth patterns; prepares reports detailing the same, coordinates public meetings; drafts press releases, documents, maps, or other information; coordinates review with appropriate staff and departments; submits plan for approval

- Member of the Technical Review Committee

- Performs sufficiency reviews, site plan reviews, and all associated review requirements

- Performs initial zoning permit review and final approval as assigned by Planning Director

- Assists Planning Director with special projects according to Planning Department expansion and development

- Assists the Planning Director in working with the Small Business Solutions Manager and other associated partners on future plans for development based on needs assessment

- Performs analysis and reviews recommendations of other staff members regarding zoning codes and development standards; research, reviews, and analyzes state and local planning and zoning information, current and historical data, analysis and other related information

- Prepares staff reports and resolutions for consideration for Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, or other governing body; research and drafts amendments to zoning ordinances and development codes; interprets and revises zoning, development and subdivision ordinances; submits recommendations for changes and revisions to Planning Director; attends and offers testimony at meetings as required; responds to questions concerning zoning legislation or map changes

- Provides information and technical assistance and information to citizens, property owners, land developers, staff members, Town officials, or other individuals regarding comprehensive plan issues, zoning ordinances, planning/development issues, and related issues; responds to questions/complaints and initiates problem resolution

- Prepares and presents evidence in court as needed for planning purposes, as requested by Planning Director

- Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, records, comprehensive plan, press releases, website updates, codes, ordinances, maps, spreadsheets, charts, invoices, or other documents

- May administer the HUD Community Development Block Grant, and assist with other state and federally funded programs, as assigned by the Planning Director

- Communicates with supervisor, Planning Commission (and its subcommittees), Board of Zoning Appeals, Town officials, other Town employees, builders, contractors, the public, and outside businesses and agencies as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction

- Maintains comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate

- May serve as supervisor to Planning Department intern and/or Planner I as assigned by the Planning Director

- Acts as primary staff support along with the Planning Director to the Bikeway Walkway Committee

- Performs other duties as required

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

- Desktop computer/laptop

- Microsoft Office, ArcView/ArcGIS, and various software applications

- Various office equipment (calculator, telephone, copier, fax/scanner, phone)

JOB CONTEXT

The typical work hours for a Planner II are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break, however, occasional overtime is required to attend Council meetings, Board of Zoning Appeals meetings, and public hearings in the evenings, when scheduled. The Planner II will perform tasks that require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

WORK PERFORMANCE

The Planner II is required to follow departmental expectations and adhere to all rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the Town of Christiansburg Employee Handbook.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor’s degree in planning, community development or closely related field, or equivalent education, training and experience

- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in planning, design, zoning, or code enforcement

- Valid driver’s license with the ability to meet and maintain Town insurability requirements

- Must obtain and maintain Zoning Official and Certified Planner certifications

- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Thorough knowledge and understanding of urban and/or regional planning, land use principles, and zoning laws and ordinances

- Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics

- Knowledge of grant writing and administration

- Working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office, internet applications and GIS

- Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of customers

- Strong organizational and time management skills with demonstrated ability to multitask and meet deadlines

- Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate ideas effectively in both oral and written formats

- Ability to quickly and accurately research, analyze, interpret and apply a wide range of data in problem-solving situations

- Ability to prepare and present technical reports

SAFETY

The employee shall adhere to Town of Christiansburg policies regarding safety precautions and the use of safety equipment that is necessary for the health and safety of all employees and citizens. If a safety concern arises, the employee must stop any life-threatening activity immediately and in other cases immediately inform the employee’s supervisor.

DISCLAIMERS

The job description is:

- Intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and behaviors required of employees in this job title.

- Not an employment agreement or contract. Employment is at will only, and the Town of Christiansburg has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

- Intended to describe the essential functions of the position that a qualified individual must be able to perform, either with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Town of Christiansburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify participant. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Christiansburg will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $56,326.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Military leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000 - $56,326