Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner

Department: Housing, Economic Development & Commerce

Division: Zoning

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Union/Management: Union

Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal: Full-Time

Workweek: M-F, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Salary: $55,000 - $60,000. Based on qualifications and experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits package available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance, mileage reimbursement, and more.

The City of Jersey City is seeking an Assistant Planner for its Zoning Division. This position will work closely with the City’s Zoning Officer to provide comprehensive planning and zoning oversight within the City, along with simple to complex site plan reviews and coordination between city departments on community and economic development projects. This innovative team player must possess a background knowledge of Zoning and Planning, strong writing, and communication skills, and be comfortable working with community groups. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals with a strong interest in zoning and land use regulation to gain knowledge and skills in a very active planning office working on a wide range of contemporary urban development issues, collaborating with planners of various backgrounds.

Job Duties:

· Ensures payments are received and processed for residential development fees prior to submitting applications for permits or Certificates of Occupancy (CO).

· Reviews and process NJ resident’s applications for permits and Certificates of Occupancy (CO)

· Determines and explains residential development fee exemptions when applicable

· Assists the Zoning Officer and staff in reviewing applications for compliance with the Jersey City Land Development Ordinance

· Assists in Compliance reviews for applications for Certificate of Occupancy.

· Advises the Zoning Officer on current regulations under the Municipal Land Use Law and current land use case law

· Researches and analyzes zoning and subdivision regulations and codes to support developing the most efficient and cost-efficient preliminary plans and conceptual site plans for residential and commercial real estate development sites

• Assists in the preparation of case analysis, zoning ordinance revisions, and revisions to the Comprehensive Plan
• Works in multidisciplinary teams, which may include planners specializing in urban design, transportation, environmental sustainability, housing, and economic development, as well as staff in other City departments, to advance zoning policy initiatives
• Prepares written reports and oral presentations for a range of audiences, including the City administration, City Council, Planning Board, and community groups;
• Attends as needed and participates in various planning-related public meetings, workshops, discussions, etc.; and
• Performs necessary fieldwork for the department, including zoning site inspections.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

*Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Required Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field. The ability to obtain A New Jersey Professional Planning license is preferred but not required. In lieu of a degree, five (5) years of work experience in a related field and/or office.

Preferred Experience: one (1) year of experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning, which should include experience working with community engagement, master planning, and site plan review. Possession of a Master’s Degree in Planning from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience.

Essential Skills:

· Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures concerning community redevelopment, economic development, and housing rehabilitation programs;

· Ability to think critically and develop creative regulatory approaches to complex issues within the legal framework of zoning.

· Thorough knowledge of redevelopment planning and the New Jersey Redevelopment Law;

· Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports;

· Ability to present, discuss, and execute innovative ideas

· Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, to interpret planning, zoning, and local ordinances to officials and the general public, and to make public presentations;

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office - PowerPoint, Word, and Excel; Knowledge of Bluebeam a plus, and

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City of Jersey City employees, public officials, and the public.

This is a Civil Service Job, and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application.

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

Experience:

• Urban planning: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Jersey City, NJ 07305 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jersey City, NJ 07305: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000