Planner

Job Title: Planner
Reports to: Planning and Zoning Manager

Department: Community and Economic Development Department

Division: Planning and Zoning Division

Hours of Operation: The day and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; some weekends, evenings, and holidays will be required as job duties demand.

Salary: $53,435 - $63,502/Annually DOQ 

Purpose of Work:

This is a professional planning position with the City of Decatur’s Community and Economic Development Department (CED). This position is responsible for the review of plans and development proposals, creation and presentation of reports, field inspections and assessments, interpreting and applying a variety of codes and ordinances, assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive plan, identifies issues and suggests solutions achieved through community planning, promotes economic and community development, serves as a primary staff liaison to a City board or commission focused on zoning and land use, and implements local plans and coordinates on regional planning efforts

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

· Serves as primary staff to a City board or commission, as assigned, which may include tasks such as preparing monthly agendas, public notices, review of application materials, preparation of staff reports, participating in evening meetings, minutes of the meetings, and related correspondence with applicants.

· Serves as secondary staff to the Planning Commission to assist the Planning and Zoning Manager.

· Interprets and applies applicable local, state, and federal, codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, specifications, policies and procedures pertaining to planning, zoning, land development, and land use; initiates any actions necessary to correct non-compliance.

· Conducts residential and commercial zoning plan review for land disturbance and building permit issuance as assigned.

· Receives and responds in a timely manner to customer inquiries regarding zoning issues; researches zoning issues regarding non-conforming land uses, zoning interpretations, and previous development and zoning history.

· Drafts letters, memos, and zoning compliance reports as needed in the performance of plan reviews.

· Assists with long-range planning initiatives including analytical research, civic engagement, and policy development.

· Performs any other daily duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Planning and Zoning Manager or Planning and Economic Development Director.

Qualifications:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. There is a minimum six-months probationary period upon hiring. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. A written or oral test may be administered during the interview process. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general planning principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable City, State and Federal rules, regulations, and ordinances that impact transportation, zoning and land use.
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from rules, regulations, and ordinances and apply them to issue decisions and make recommendations on public and private land development proposals.
• Ability to understand organizational implications of decisions.
• Ability to work with residents from all economic, cultural, and diverse backgrounds.
• Aptitude and ability to utilize architect’s and engineer’s scales to review building and site plans, as well as computer resources required by the City including word processing, web-based platforms, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Independent judgment and discretion in setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Preferred: Knowledge of transportation planning and walk-friendly/bike-friendly concepts; experience in community development; group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to sit for long periods at a keyboard or work station.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials of medium weight (30 lbs.).
• Have the ability to walk and stand in an outdoor setting, which may include exposure to weather conditions, such as heat or cold, as well as dust, pollen and allergens. 
• Some tasks require visual and sound perception, and oral communications ability. 
• Must be able to drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.   

Education and/or Experience: 
A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, public administration or a related field AND two years of experience involving interpretation and application of planning and zoning codes and regulations in a government setting (local, regional, state or federal) are required; or

Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver). 
• AICP Certification is preferred but not required.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.