Planner II / Senior Planner

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

Development Services currently has one opening which will be filled at either the Planner II or Senior Planner level.  As you complete your application, please be sure to include all applicable information (completed degrees, related work history, etc) so you can be considered for the appropriate level.

Offering salary may be made above the minimum of the posted salary range up through the midpoint, depending upon qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity considerations.  First review of applications will be on January 27, 2025, and then weekly thereafter.

This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.

Planner II ($77,250.99 - $112,013.48 Annually)

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for performing professional land use and urban planning work including current and long-range planning activities for the Town. 

This is an intermediate level professional classification in the planning job family. Work is designed to provide continued professional work experience, training and development and is focused on the use of specific knowledge of routine functional area to meet requirements and/or performance specifications within assigned discipline. Works independently referring complex issues to more senior professionals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Functions as a case planner/project manager for applicants pursuing site plans, conditional use, residential design review, general plan amendments, rezoning and subdivision approvals; reviews applications for new commercial and residential developments; reviews applications/proposals from neighboring jurisdictions and generates comments on projects.
• Reviews planning applications for compliance with the with applicable ordinances and policies; drafts and submits legal notices to newspapers, produce site postings and mailings, ensuring postings and mailings are completed within required legal time frame; posts property for rezoning cases and answer development related questions of the public and citizens.
• Assists customers at the front counter and over the phone with technical questions relating to planning and zoning issues; participates in meetings with applicants, residents, property owners, developers, Town staff, elected and appointed officials, civic groups as needed.
• Researches and surveys Zoning Ordinance and other code amendments necessary for updates and revisions; researches and compiles information and writes staff reports and memos for cases and other assigned work.
• Creates and updates various maps and graphic materials; prepares zoning maps, annexation maps, displays, reports, and related materials utilizing computerized geographical information system along with GIS and other programs.
• Writes staff reports and prepares visual presentations to present assigned cases to Planning Commission and Town Council (and other committees as needed).
• Inspects new developments projects for the department for compliance of project stipulations and ordinances; assists with the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, and other special project committees, which includes preparing visual exhibits and presentations; take minutes for these meetings in addition to Pre-App and Tech Review meetings.
• Reviews new and renewing business licenses.                                               
• Performs field inspections.                                              
• Represents the department at various board and committee meetings.
• Updates planning website.    
• Performs related work as assigned.

Senior Planner ($93,911.76 - $136,172.05 Annually)

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for performing and leading advanced level professional land use and urban planning work including current and long-range planning activities for the Town. 

This is a senior level professional classification in the planning job family.  Incumbent(s) perform the full range of advanced planning duties that demonstrates broad practical knowledge in a variety of processes, methods, techniques and best practices. Work involves planning and coordinating difficult assignments, the modification of established guidelines, and the initiation of new approaches.  May be responsible for supervising assigned staff which includes prioritizing, assigning and monitoring work assignments, conducting performance evaluations, coordinating and providing training; implementing hiring, discipline and termination procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Conducts technical research and analysis, manages projects for long-range planning, evaluates findings, identifies significant issues, determines options, and develops staff recommendations on difficult and complex residential and non-residential projects.  Projects include, but not limited to, site plans, rezoning, conditional use permits, subdivision plats, general plan amendments, and variances that also include management of formal and informal work teams.
• Writes staff reports and prepares visual presentations for planning cases involving subdivision plats, conditional use permits, rezoning, variances, site plans, and general plan amendments; presents reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Town Council and neighborhood groups.
• Participates in meetings with applicants, property owners, engineers, developers, architects, attorneys, Town staff, elected officials, appointed officials, outside agencies and the public to manage projects, and to resolve departmental and planning issues.
• Participates in staff, agency, and committee meetings related to regional planning and development matters; assists with facilitating the development review process.
• Serves as department representative on various committees at the regional level; works with other governmental agencies and officials.
• Prepares staff reports and accurate project schedules.
• Manages and assists with special and ongoing projects, which includes coordination with department staff and/or other internal departments. 
• Assists with the preparation of a variety of reports, which includes conducting research, analyzing findings, developing reports and recommendations, and presenting and disseminating information and findings to appropriate staff and/or stakeholders.
• Manages the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment programs; presents planning related cases to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Town Council and neighborhood groups.
• Assists customers at the front counter and over the phone with technical questions relating to planning and zoning issues.
• Provides technical guidance and support to internal departments and staff.
• Coordinates work activities with other units, committees, or agencies to prevent delays in action required, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and to improve services to the public.
• Participates in drafting department operating procedures, text amendments, and general plan amendments and updates; collects information on operational and administrative problems and performs comprehensive analysis; synthesizes information and makes recommendations on policy issues; prepares comprehensive administrative, operational, and statistical reports or manuals for use by internal and/or external organizations.
• Assists with the preparation and monitoring of annual department operating budgets; assists with the coordination of mid-year budget adjustments.
• Supervises assigned staff to include: prioritizing, assigning and monitoring work; coaching and conducting performance evaluations and following staff discipline and termination procedures; ensuring staff are trained; monitoring to ensure that staff follow policies and procedures; assisting in hiring, disciplining or termination of assigned staff.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Transportation, Public Administration, or a related filed and 2 years of experience in urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. Master’s Degree preferred. 

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Architecture, Transportation, Public Administration, or a related field and 5 years of planning and/or design experience; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.  Master’s Degree preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• Driver’s License;
• Planner certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Note: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE:

Standard office equipment; vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

None

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Salary : $77,251 - $136,172