Summary

Under general supervision of the Planning Manager, the Senior Planner administers the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision Regulation Ordinances, prepares documents, reports and studies related to future land use, development standards, demographics, population, transportation, environment and grants.  Coordinates the administration and development plans with surrounding municipalities, regional planning organizations, State and Federal planning agencies.
 
The Senior Planner is experienced in development and zoning matters with in-depth knowledge and application of the City’s policies, and development practices and standards.   Uses initiatives and resourcefulness in planning detailed methods to attain desired objectives. Can resolve disputes and conflicts in development/zoning matters and provide well thought-out solutions that comply with City’s policies and development standards.  Performs more complex technical and investigative duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.
 
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties

• Prepares reports, studies, and policy statements related to research, surveys, and development standards for the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Ordinances.
• Establishes databases to aid in the coordination, collection and analysis of data related to Federal, State, Regional and City zoning ordinances and codes.
• Coordinates and prepares informational materials, impact assessment fees, and placement of development plans and zoning exhibits on an agenda for boards, committees and commissions.
• Reviews and releases development or zoning plan requests to Engineering Services and Building Inspections.
• Administers and enforces zoning and planning regulations and ordinances.
• Reviews, coordinates and releases pending projects with City departments related to results of Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings, and coordinate preparation of development agreements.
• Authors and revises development standards, presents new and revised standards to the boards, commissions, and City Council to pass and implement new or revised standards to protect the environment, conserve and preserve natural resources and meet new regulations and standards implemented at the regional, State and Federal level.
• Recommends policy and procedural changes based on research and forecasts of land use studies, population growth, demographics and transportation issues and studies.
• Networks, negotiates and advocates for public policy changes with legislators, environmental agencies, natural resource conservation groups, developers on the protection and development of wetlands.
• Reviews and recommends report changes to staff reports before forwarding to the Planning Manager.
• Posts publications of Public Hearing Notices.
• Conducts public hearings and receives statements and recommendations related to proposed changes and implementation of various ordinances.

 
Other Important Duties:

• Travels to attend meetings, conferences, and training.
• Attends evening meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

Job Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of Federal, State, regional and City environmental, conservation, zoning and urban planning regulations, ordinances, and codes.
• Knowledge of research, analysis, interpretation, implementation, development, and enforcement of complex legal, development, planning and zoning proposals.
• Knowledge of long and short term planning forecasting, developing, amending, implementing and enforcing.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment and hardware and software for database development.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in planning, recommending, developing and implementing public policies and procedures related to urban planning and zoning.
• Skill in reviewing work of assigned staff.
• Skill in working with internal staff and external groups to resolve items by developing well thought-out solutions that comply with City’s policies and development standards.
• Skilled in developing or revising policies and development standards that are well thought out and does not create conflicts with other policies and/or development standards.
• Effective in oral and written communications.
• Skill in mediating, negotiating, advocating for, and resolving political, environmental, enforcement agencies and customer complaints and concerns.
• Ability to manage projects for thoroughness, attention to detail, and meet milestones to complete projects on time.

 
Education, Experience, and Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field and five (5) years of urban planning and zoning project development and zoning enforcement experience or a Master’s Degree in a related field and three (3) years urban planning and zoning project development and enforcement experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.
• Experience in the field of Urban Design preferred.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and MVR check.
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Work is generally performed in an office and on-site as required to conduct field inspections, to review subdivision and development plans, observe progress and address issues.   
• May be subject to exposure to heavy equipment common to construction sites
• May be exposed to hostile or angry citizens and/or developers.
• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work Environment:  

• Work performed is primarily light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

Equipment and Tools Utilized

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, copier, calculator, scanner, ruler, engineering and architect scales and department vehicle.