City Planner

The City Planner is a professional position assigned a variety of complex tasks that range from researching and preparing recommendations for revisions of zoning and subdivisions regulations and land use policies to monitoring on-going projects. Responsibilities may include review and preparation of staff reports regarding site plans, rezoning requests, subdivision plats and special permits. Work is normally performed under supervision by the Planning Director, but includes latitude for independent decision-making within guidelines of policies and procedures. Interaction is direct with citizens, property and business owners, potential developers, other departments of the City, and other governmental agencies. The hiring range for this full-time, exempt position is $58,000-$70,000 annually (DOQ).

Position Responsibilities  

Plan Review: Assists with the preparation of staff reports for subdivisions and for re-zoning applications and special use permits. Assists with the preparation and review of site plans. Helps with the preparation of planning reports (e.g., providing supporting data, visual or graphic presentations) for use by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission.  Assists in the review and revision of ordinances and application checklists for preliminary and final plats and site plans.

Public Liaison: Meet with developers for pre-submittal discussions on sub-divisions. Develop community ties and networks that help to promote community growth and development and build civic pride.  Liaison to utility providers, school districts, developers, and public for street addressing information and the Municipal Sign Code.

Research and Recommendations: Complete special projects in area of expertise. Review/update landscape provisions of Shawnee municipal code. May assist in TIF creation and administration. Review and revise zoning ordinances. Assist with the development of complex, long-range land use and community development programs. Assist with research of appropriate financial assistance from state and federal agencies.   Conducts research for code revision and review. Assists with technical research and preparation of statistical reports. Develops and maintains a database of planning-related information (e.g., economic data, community resources, etc.).  Participate in research and recommendations for resolving community issues and concerns.

Project Coordination and Monitoring: Assist in field inspections for subdivisions and site plans. Assist in the compilation, review, and update of the Comprehensive Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan. Participate in setting direction and oversight for long-range planning. Help to promote interdepartmental coordination and joint planning efforts.   Coordinate updates of the zoning map.

Technical Support and Records Management. Maintain address database and coordinate addressing systems. Log building permits on address plats. Process and assign addresses on new plats, buildings, and other structures. Assist in application processing for rezoning, special use permits, site plans, and special events. Update and/or create special maps for public and departmental use.

Plan Presentation: Make presentations to the Planning Commission for re-zoning, plats, site plans, and special use permits. Prepares and makes presentations to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Customer Information and Support: Provide information to property owners, investors, developers, etc. regarding land use applications, ordinances, codes and related planning issues. Respond to questions concerning zoning and subdivision regulations, procedures and timeframes. Interpret city policies and procedures in customer friendly terms. Follow-up with customer concerns.

Minimum Qualifications 

Entry-Level Planner I:

• Bachelor's Degree in planning or related field from accredited college or university.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in planning.

Experienced Planner II:

• Bachelor's Degree in planning or related field from accredited college or university.  Master's degree is preferred.  
• Minimum four (4) year experience in planning.  

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the responsibilities included in this job posting may also be considered.

Work Schedule

The base schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, regular office hours; however, this exempt position will frequently be involved in, and required to be available for or attend activities and events that occur in the evening, and on weekends and holidays. This position will be required to attend night meetings, and may attend overnight seminars and conferences.

Additional Statements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The City of Shawnee reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities of job descriptions to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. The job description is not a contract or guarantee of employment.

The City of Shawnee complies with federal and state equal opportunity laws. It is the City's policy to provide an equal employment opportunity for all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, socioeconomic status, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status or familial status, or any other basis protected by state or federal law, in regard to hire, training, promotion, transfer, layoff, dismissal, discipline and other conditions of employment. If reasonable accommodation is necessary to apply or further information if needed, please contact Human Resources at (913) 742-6253.

Salary : $58,000 - $70,000