CITY PLANNER

Job Title: City Planner

Department: Planning and Community Development

Reports To: Director of Planning and Community Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared by: Human Resource

Prepared Date: 10/2024

SUMMARY

Performs professional planning duties in connection with the interpretation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations and other codes as they relate to land use planning and zoning.

NATURE OF WORK

Employees in this class are responsible for assisting and participating in the design and conduct of studies and analyses in support of planning proposals. Responsibilities may include conducting demographic research, participating in data management, preparing recommendations for zoning applications, conducting studies and analyses for environmental planning projects, providing planning information to other agencies and the public, and compiling and analyzing data using statistical software programs. Employees may be assigned to one or more phases of a planning program including comprehensive planning, geography, economics, environmental planning, demographics, transportation planning, and other areas. Employees exercise some independent judgment in the conduct of research and analysis within the scope of departmental policies and procedures. Supervision is received from a professional superior who reviews work for technical quality and assists with difficult or unusual problems

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepares staff reports and recommendations for presentation before Planning and Zoning Appeals Board, Historic and Environmental Preservation Board, Community Redevelopment Agency Board, City Commission and other quasi-judicial boards

Recommend city code and zoning ordinance amendments

Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use, and prepares or requisitions graphic and narrative reports on data.

Confers with local authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, and land planning and development specialists to devise and recommend arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.

Recommends governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, and housing and transportation to control and guide community development and renewal.

Reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports applying to specified private and public planning projects and programs.

Provides assistance to applicants, residences and interested stakeholders throughout the development review process.

Represent the Planning and Community Development Department at various meetings, including civic and homeowner association meetings.

Responds to inquiries from the public regarding planning and zoning activities.

Provide and/or assist other GIS professionals to prepare maps, exhibits and other presentation materials for presentations to the City Commission, City Boards, neighborhood groups, and other civic or business organizations.

Conduct research and analysis related to physical, social, and economic issues. Prepare statistical data on land use, physical, social and economic issues. Prepare technical studies and reports as necessary.

Participate in field surveys to secure a variety of planning data such as land use population density transportation, housing, and environmental assessment.

Perform any other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS. .

· Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

· Ability to write simple correspondence.

· Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

· Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

· Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

· Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

· Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

· Knowledge of Database software; Design software; Development software; Internet software; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Skill in the use of AutoCAD, GIS, or other relevant geographic software is desirable.

· Knowledge of synthesizing complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures.

· Ability to generate creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail.

· Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

· Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.

· Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

· Ability to write clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.

· Skill to develop workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.

· Ability to follow instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from an accredited four-year College or university; and four years related experience and/or training.BS degree in Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Geography, Historic Preservation, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, or a closely related field is preferred.

OR

A Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, or any of the related fields may substitute for two years’ experience.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Minimum of four (4) years responsible experience in city, county, or regional planning agency.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid Florida Driver License

Preference will be given to members of AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners)

Preference will be given to GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) credentials

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General and specific assignments are received as to beats or details and work is normally performed with latitude for the use of independent judgment in the selection of work methods and procedures, subjects to review through analysis of reports, personal inspection, and discussion

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs and coordinates the work of Police Corporals and Officers; general and specific assignments are received as to details and work is normally performed with latitude for use of independent judgment in the selection of work methods and procedures, subject to review through analysis of reports, personal inspection, and discussion; may be assigned to direct the work of Police Department employees who perform support services and duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

On a continuous basis sit at a desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear, and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, use a calculator to compute figures. On occasion it is requested to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment. On occasion it is required to lift or carry weights up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Employment At-Will

Employees have a work-at-will relationship throughout their employment. This means that employment is for an undefined period. Either the employee or the City OF Opa-Locka, without cause or notice, may terminate it.

Equal Employment Opportunity/EEO

The City of Opa-Locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-Locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Signatures

The employee’s signature below verifies you to have read, understood, and agree to perform all duties and expectations described hereto. All my questions regarding this job description were answered satisfactorily by my manager and/or human resources.

Employee Signature ________________________ Date ________________________

Employee Print Name __________________________ Date_____________________________