City Planner

Responsible for providing lead work direction in coordinating the City's Community Development responsibilities in accor­dance with City policies and ordinances, in­cluding: enforces planning codes and ordinances; reviews develop­ers plans; directs conditional use permit func­tion; conducts com­prehen­sive plan review and update; and provides background information and recommen­dations in both oral and written form to the Director. The position requires demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in multiple areas of Community Development: planning, economic development, marketing and communities, housing, transit and transportation, redevelopment, development finance, and GIS.

In consultation with the Community Development Director, develops and performs review for approval of the most difficult and multifaceted land use applications, performs research studies and prepares reports that rec­ommend up­dates, revi­sions, and/or additions to the com­prehensive plan, plann­ing ordinan­ces, legislation, and/or building codes. Provides lead work direction for Planning Commission agendas and multi-department review of land use applications at site plan meetings. Provides work direction to Planners and support staff. Provides managerial oversight of the Department in the absence of the Director. Works collaboratively with the Director and Planning staff to devise strategies, policies, and program in support of the City’s overall economic development goals and objectives.  Performs design reviews of plans to ensure that such propos­als con­form to City Codes and ordinances. Accepts applications and coor­dinates initial development project review among City depar­t­ments.  Directs preparation and processing of various environmental stat­ements, as needed, according to State Environmental Quality Board standards and regulations. Reviews and processes conditional use permits and recom­mends appropriate actions to the Director, Planning Commission, and City Council. Assists in the preparation of development agreements and coordinates the preparation of site improve­ment perfor­mance bond and park dedication for development pro­posals and site inspections that ensure compliance. Assists with the coordination of redevelopment projects, includ­ing implementation strategies and review of developer proposals. Serves as City representative on City task forces, committees, or meetings involving adjacent communi­ties, Metropolitan Council, and State and Federal agencies on planning related matters as assigned by the Director. Serves as back-up to the Director as liaison to the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority. Researches and coordinates new and ongoing housing initiatives, activities, and grant programs with the Dakota County Community Development Agency. Prepares, submits, and manages grant applications and funding awards. Performs other duties consistent with the tasks and responsibilities of the position as apparent or assigned.

Bachelor's degree in planning or Community Development related field. Five years of responsible professional plan­ning exper­ience in a municipal environment. Demonstrated knowledge of in all phases of planning, in­cluding com­prehen­sive planning, site planning, grant programs, zoning and sub­division ordinance administration.  Familiarity and working knowledge of relevant Min­nesota Plann­ing Statutes. Demonstrated ability to com­munica­te effectively with the public, elected or appointed officials, and other City staff, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to give professional, effective presentations in a public forum and effective use of graphics in presentations and communications. Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills and ability to appropriately and effectively handle controversial subjects. Demonstrated ability to take initiative in any/all areas of the Community Development field. Demonstrated ability to interpret applicable codes and laws to advance the City's planning policies and strategies. Demonstrated effective use of graphics in presentations and communications. Working knowledge of Graphic Information System (GIS). Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Planning or Community Development related field. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with frequent travel to worksites as necessary.  Primary job functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (25); to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Reports to:  Community Development Director
Schedule:  Full-time, Exempt.  Monday - Friday, Days.  May be required to work extended or unusual hours to oversee projects and attend City Council or Commission meetings or other events as needed.
Starting pay rate dependent on qualifications and salary history. 
Offer of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background investigation.

Salary : $106,391 - $132,988