Planner

Are you seeking a rewarding career opportunity where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and shape the future of your community? The City of Webster Groves is seeking a community-focused person to serve as its next City Planner.

 The selected candidate must personify the City’s values of people first, excellence in service, creativity, sustainability, and leadership.  

 Working within the Planning and Development Department, the Planner will carry out current planning and long-range planning functions in support of the City. As part of various work teams, the Planner will perform a variety of administrative tasks and processes, ranging from entry-level to technical, regarding permits, land use, land development, and zoning. This position also serves as the lead staff member to the Historic Preservation Commission and Board of Adjustment. Secondarily, this position is responsible for maintaining planning databases and updating the Department’s web page.

1. Conducts technical research, assesses information and data, and makes recommendations related to the comprehensive plan, land use controls and capital improvements program; participates in special studies and performs functional planning activities as required.
2. Maintains and administers comprehensive plan including data collection and public input facilitation, and ensures plan is updated and consistent with current land use regulations.
3. Collects, complies and analyzes data and factual materials in order to prepare studies regarding land use, and zoning, and land development requests.
4. Responds to citizen inquiries regarding subdivision and zoning regulations, demographics and the City's Comprehensive Plan.
5. Interprets zoning and development regulations.
6. Reviews building permit applications and subdivision applications for conformance with Regulations and Zoning Ordinances.
7. Performs special assignments as requested, to include researching and preparing reports and projects, developing and implementing programs, gathering and analyzing statistics, and presenting technical data to management, elected officials, and others.
8. Photographs properties around the City on a monthly basis for inclusion in reports and documents for the City.
9. Prepares draft ordinances related to planning, zoning and subdivisions, as directed.
10. Assists with reviewing development proposals including architectural/design review, compliance with City codes and policy, rezoning applications, conditional use requests, and variances to City standards, with follow-up monitoring to assure compliance. 
11. Posts properties per State and City notification requirements.
12. Assists in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data and statistics on various planning topics, and in formulating conclusions and recommendations. 
13. Assists with drafting assigned sections of written reports and studies, including community plans. 
14. Assists in updating municipal codes related to planning and development, including the zoning, subdivision, sign, etc., ordinances. 
15. Assists in the design, layout and construction of maps, charts, drawings and exhibits. 
16. Assists with preparation of materials for meetings. Attendance at or participation in these meetings may be necessary on occasion, as requested by the department Director. 
17. Assists with investigations of possible code violations, including those related to zoning, site development, landscaping, signs, and storm water management issues; works with the Director as necessary to assure compliance with approved plans, permits, and ordinances. 
18. Issues permits for fences, signs, animal and foul, or other permitting needs.  Performs inspections of the same.
19. Prepares, maintains and updates files, databases, maps and other records in support of City planning activities. 
20. Informs development professionals, local officials and the general public about the standards and procedures required by City ordinances.
21. Assists in developing and maintaining a land use monitoring system with a computerized data base, providing record keeping correlated with other municipal data. 
22. Other duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning or in a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible experience in community planning and land use development administration; OR
• A Masters Degree in urban planning or related field may be substituted for experience.

1. Knowledge of the principals of land use and development.
2. Ability to read and understand site, landscaping and building plans.
3. Ability to understand and interpret zoning and subdivision ordinances, urban design guidelines, and applicable sections of the Municipal Code.
4. Knowledge of development issues and concerns, neighborhoods, public participation techniques, and the development process.
5. Knowledge of the City and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
6. Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
7. Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
8. Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
9. Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.
10. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
11. Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations. 
12. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
13. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
14. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
15. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
16. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database , and GIS applications consistent for this position.
17. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
18. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form. 
19. Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
20. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
21. Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
22. Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
23. Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
24. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
25. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
26. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of the Open Records Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
27. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.
28. Ability to attend evening meetings as assigned.

Salary : $66,733 - $93,421