Planner

The City of Battle Creek (“The City”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The City expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Improper interference with the ability of the City employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

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Description

Performs difficult technical work assisting in the preparation, maintenance and interpretation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work performed under the moderate supervision of the Planning Supervisor.

Examples of Duties

• Researches economic, fiscal, physical, social, and transportation structure of the City; prepares reports and makes presentations on Long Range Plans and projects. Conducts field inspections of properties for compliance with zoning regulations; prepares letters for zoning enforcement.
• Assists in performing professional urban planning work in the preparation, maintenance, and interpretation of the City's Master Plan, and specific area or neighborhood plans. Assists with the development of strategies to promote economic and community development and efficient land use consistent with community goals; assists with identification of community problems, issues, and opportunities that could be mitigated through better community planning and implementation of strategies to correct deficiencies.
• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates; prepares staff reports and analyses with recommendations to various City boards and commissions regarding planning, zoning, and land use issues.
• Researches and compiles data, prepares reports, attends meetings, and makes presentations to various boards and commissions. Prepares and interprets ordinances, plans, and resolutions for citizens, City staff, and various board and commissions; assists with grant applications; assists with coordination and implementation of special City projects undertaken to advance community and economic development goals.
• Reviews and inspects property for site plan review permits. Inspects properties; prepares and presents reports to various boards, commissions, and other meetings as needed. Receives, investigates, and responds to questions or complaints regarding land use, planning, and zoning issues, programs, and services.
• Acts as staff liaison in the preparation and presentation of reports to the HDC, as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and City Commission, as needed.
• Routine use of computers, office equipment and measuring devices and scales used on construction or property sites; Microsoft XP, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Esri products.
  
  

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in urban and regional planning or related field.
• 1-3 years experience in municipal planning and zoning.
• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.
• AICP and/or Zoning Administration certification preferred.
• Bilingual/multilingual preferred.
  
  

Supplemental Information

This work is sedentary and requires little to no exertion of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone. Work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

At the City of Battle Creek, we understand that benefits are an important part of the total compensation package. As such, we strive to offer employees a generous benefit package that provides flexibility, choice, and value, allowing employees to not only meet their needs today but to plan for a secure future.

Full-time employee benefits – Benefits vary slightly by union contract, employment agreement, or policy. For benefits specific to this role, please reach out to careers@battlecreekmi.gov.

Medical: Choose from a PPO plan with BCBS or an HMO plan with BCN and pair your election with a Health Savings Account.

Dental: 100% employer-paid through Blue Cross Blue Shield

Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid basic life insurance with AD&D benefit equal to 2X the employee’s base annual earnings up to $400,000. Limited coverage is also provided for spouses and children.

Sickness and Accident: 100% employer-sponsored partial wage replacement for short-term disabilities after meeting eligibility criteria.

Retirement Savings

• 457 through Mission Square with employer match
• MERS Pension * note that Police and Fire have a separate pension fund not through MERS
  
  

Employer Assistance Plan (EAP): 100% Employer paid through Pine Rest

Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package – Paid Time Off will vary by position and is outlined within City Policy or union contract.

Paid Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year

Voluntary Benefits

• Supplemental Term and Whole life
• Critical Illness
• Hospitalization
• Accident
• Vision – VSP
• Lifecare Ambulance Service
• Flexible Spending Account
  
  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligible Employer

Click the link below for 2024 BENEFIT INFORMATION https://www.employeenavigator.com/benefits/Company/DocumentLibrary/EditDocument?descId=193908

In addition to the above, some positions may qualify for:

• Flexible Schedule/Remote Work
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Educational Stipends
• Longevity pay
• Tool and safety allowances
• Employer-paid uniforms
• Cell phone allowance
• Military pay differential
• Professional development opportunities
• Ability to earn compensatory time
• Retiree health savings plan
  
  

01

Do you have a valid driver's license in the State of Michigan?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you have a bachelor's degree with coursework in urban and regional planning or related field?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have 1-3 years experience in municipal planning and zoning?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Do you have a AICP and/or Zoning Administration certification?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Are you bilingual or multilingual?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question