Under general direction, the purpose of this position is to perform professional planning work involving both administrative and technical responsibilities. This role includes conducting research, analyzing zoning and land use, setting up and attending pre-application meetings, and occasionally attending various Boards and Commission meetings. The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of planning principles, zoning, and strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, and must be able to use professional judgment in developing, interpreting, and administering the City’s development ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Examples of Duties:

• Communicate with the public, developers, and contractors over the phone, via email, or at the front counter;
• Evaluates or assists in the review of development requests such as site plans, plats, specific use permits, and zoning changes;
• Responsible for the pre-application meetings, including coordination, attending, and providing follow-up;
• Provides information to the public regarding zoning requirements and general requirements of the development process;
• Provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning-related programs and ordinances;
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources;
• Prepares public notices and property owner notifications;
• Prepares maps, charts, tables of limited complexity; and
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, or related field
• One (1) year previous experience in planning and development

      OR

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:  A fundamental understanding of laws related to general development plans, zoning, and the subdivision of land; Land use and general planning and zoning processes; Basic principles and practices of urban planning and development; Basic statistics and data gathering methods; Basic principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as applied to municipal government, Local zoning and subdivision regulations and the ability to learn to interpret them; Research methods and techniques and pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills in: Interpreting and applying land use regulations, zoning enforcement, subdivision regulations, and state and federal laws; Interpreting City codes and ordinances and providing comparative analyses; Organizing, evaluating, analyzing, and presenting data and information; Working knowledge of the following software: Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office; Excellent customer service; and time management.

Ability to: Plan, organize and complete work of a complex, detailed, and sensitive nature; Read, write, and speak effectively to communicate with people of a variety of backgrounds and educational levels; Maintain and adhere to tight schedules and deadlines on complex projects; Apply and adhere to statutory procedures; Meet departmental goals and application deadline; Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or governmental regulations, including but not limited to Melissa’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Melissa’s Subdivision Ordinance, the Texas Local Government Code, and ICC building regulations; Read, review, and analyze legal descriptions, site plans, and other related planning documents; Exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy in all public dealings; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, the development community, and the general public.