Assistant Planner - Community Development- City of Starkville, MS
Base Pay:$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 / Year
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
This is professional and administrative work in the Planning Division or specialized programs, projects and tasks in the Community Development Department. Work involves preparation of and review of complex studies and projects including the City's Comprehensive Plan, transportation planning, zoning, re-zoning, and annexation studies, designs and projects.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Assists in reviewing proposed plans, projects and designs for feasibility and compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Code and other regulations; represents the planning division as an expert in area of planning; confers with local officials, community leaders, developers, and citizens regarding problems and projects within the city.
· Performs general zoning functions such as administering planning and development applications, site plan and subdivision review, zoning verification requests, and handles difficult and complex customer services situations with the public.
· Coordinates the preparation and updating of various comprehensive planning documents; prepares and oversees implementation of various projects and initiatives; prepares and administers grant applications for various federal and state projects; serves as liaison with various community groups.
· Conducts research, prepares background information, compiles and interprets planning related data, assist in establishing and assessing criteria and with making decisions and recommendations regarding various planning projects; assists with site impact analysis.
· Prepares amendments to the City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Unified Development Code, and processes them according to local regulation and state law.
· Meets with, responds to inquiries, and provide demographic and other planning data and information to other employees, other public agencies, realtors, appraisers, private developers, engineers, architects and the general public.
· Provides technical assistance and support to local nonprofit and for-profit organizations in establishing and implementing community development programs.
· Assists in preparing the City's planning documents for funded programs, writing grant applications, developing contracts, monitoring sub recipients and competitive grant activities.
· Attends various board and committee meetings, both as a source of professional information and as a leader and facilitator.
· Present information on various processes and procedures within the Unified Development Code in a clear and concise manner to a variety of internal and external audiences.
· Provides assistance and support to organizations such as Historic Preservation commission and/or cemetery.
· Engages in special projects and other similar tasks.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
· Zoning, planning and development procedures.
· Various ordinances, laws, and regulations pertaining to all aspects of urban planning and development.
· Microsoft Excel, Word, and ArcGIS and ability to learn new technology systems very quickly and efficiently.
Skills and Ability to:
· Gather and analyze data and to prepare reports.
· Ability to attend meetings of various boards and commission outside of normal work hours.
· Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.
· Communicate clearly, timely, and concisely orally and in writing, and to keep records and prepare reports.
· Strong prioritization and negotiation skills
· Ability to establish effective working relationships.
· Deal with a variety of people in structured and unstructured situations.
· Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
· Follow Department and City policies and procedures operating with minimum supervision.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
· Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Public Administration or an equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
· Two (2) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, or Public Administration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelors in the related field or an Equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, Skills, and abilities for this position.
· Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
· Four (4) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Public Administration.
· American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
· Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.
· Must be AICP certified or obtain AICP certification within 2 years or when eligible to apply.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
· Direct deposit and social security card are required.
· A one-year probationary period may be required.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, climbing stairs, and lifting light objects. Work requires physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs and body in the operation of a computer and other office machines and equipment.
For more information on the position and how to apply click here.