City Planner

TITLE: City Planner

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The City Planner will be responsible for the administration and implementation of the Zoning Resolution and the Plan of Development for the City of West Haven. This individual will be responsible for conducting all necessary comprehensive planning studies and for coordinating the work of the office and the Planning and Zoning Commission with all other City Departments, Agencies and Commissions dealing with physical planning matters. The City Planner will also keep abreast of all intertown, regional, state, federal plans, projects and programs that might involve or effect the City of West Haven. The City Planner will be responsible for the efficiency for the following departments: Planning and Zoning, Building, Office of Grants and Community Development Administration.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the administrative direction of the Mayor who provides executive direction in terms of system-wide policy and advice for dealing with major community programs and issues. Appointed by the Mayor and his term runs concurrent with the Mayor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises Planning and Zoning, Building Department, Grants In Aid, and Community Development made up of managerial and staff employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers the Zoning Resolution for the City of West Haven. Is ultimately responsible for the interpretation of the Resolution and research and/or approval of all applications for subdivisions, special permits, building site plans and sign, liquor or any other permits required by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Produces and implements a Master Plan and any other necessary comprehensive planning studies. Where consultants or staff are hired to complete any such study the Director of Planning shall be responsible for defining the scope of the study, signing appropriate contracts and supervising all work on the project.

Coordinates the work of the Planning & Development office with all appropriate officers and administrators of the City and with those departments, agencies, boards and commissions which deal with plans and programs which effect the physical configuration of the City.

Presents all necessary information to the Planning & Zoning Commission to allow it to make decisions on applications and proposals before it. At the request of the Planning & Zoning Commission, makes any and all oral and written presentations which might be deemed necessary.

Answers all inquiries for information and interpretation of Planning and Development matters as might be made by any officer or representative of the City, individual, group or association. Additionally, the Director of Planning shall be responsible for making oral or written presentations as might be appropriate.

Serves on any local, regional, or state agency or commission as a representative of the Planning and Development Commission or City of West Haven as instructed by and/or with the concurrence of the Commission.

Is responsible for the day to day functioning of the Planning and Development Office.

Performs and completes any task necessary to carry out the above enumerated duties and responsibilities in conjunction with any other officer or delegated individual in the City.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

Ability to prepare and present the results of research and recommendations in effective oral, written or graphic form.

Ability to deal with the general public, city officials and associates in a courteous and effective manner.

Ability to interpret state statutes and local and federal regulations.

Ability to make a decision on an issue once the facts are presented and analyzed.

Knowledge of professional planning standards and creed and the ability to render professional judgments based on them.

The ability to deal impartially with people and facts.

The stamina, tact and judgment to deal with individual citizens, groups and public officials who at times might be openly hostile

The ability to work with others to solve problems in a timely and efficient manner.

Must have valid Connecticut driver's license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Graduate degree in City or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering or any related field with a minimum or three years experience in Planning and/or Zoning Administration or graduation from a recognized four year college or university with a specialization in City or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering or a related field plus six years of experience in Planning and/or Zoning Administration.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle, calculator, computer and traditional office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate typical office equipment, including personal computer, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed in typical office surroundings with virtually no disagreeable features. While performing site inspections, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment may be moderately loud in field settings and usually quiet in office settings.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

1/24 Salary: $105,000-$120,000

THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER