JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Planner position requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. The Senior Planner will be significantly involved with larger and more complex planning assignments. With advanced level knowledge and understanding of municipal planning principles, the Senior Planner will exercise greater independence and judgment, receiving general supervision from the City Planner/ Director of Development Services. The Senior Planner will supervise the Associate Planner and provide timely guidance on various planning and development projects. This position involves regular communication and coordination with customers and other team members. This position will also be responsible for making presentations to  Boards, Commissions, and City Council as directed by supervisor or the management team.       

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under general administrative direction of the City Planner/ Director of Development Services, performs a variety of professional planning duties for long-range and current planning projects. This includes a minimum of preparation and presentation of staff reports to various boards, commissions, and council, plat reviews, and commercial and residential permit processing.
• Assists the City Planner/ Director of Development Services to coordinate current development activities processed by the Department. Additionally, takes a lead role in managing complex planning projects.
• Supervises the Associate Planner and provides necessary guidance on projects.
• Reviews, monitors, and processes site plans, plats, sign permits, or zoning applications in accordance with applicable codes and department policies, as assigned.
• Applies knowledge of how development regulations are created and implemented, including but not limited to zoning and subdivision; and assists in amending and creating development regulations and standards. 
• Effectively uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze geographic and demographic data and sometimes create maps.
• Coordinates and collaborates with staff from other divisions of Development Services and other departments on development projects.
• Researches, collects, analyzes, and interprets data and summaries data into report form on assigned projects.
• With direction from Planning, Development and Zoning Commission or other boards, reviews and interprets City requirements to ensure conformance with other relevant codes.
• Responds to request from the general public and businesses, as well as other departments on varied land use, zoning, and associated projects.
• Prepares written staff reports and participates in the formulation of staff recommendations for development proposals.
• Assist City Planner/ Director of Development Services on performing detailed research and analysis of zoning and development proposals, growth and development trends, and policies and procedures as they relate to the departmental action.
• Formulate and lead planning related input during pre-development and pre-application meetings
• Makes presentations to committees, boards, and commissions and attends substantial number of after-hours public meetings.
• Performs necessary field and office work related to planning and development.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Education, Training, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, or closely related field from an accredited school or university is required.
• Master’s degree in urban planning, geography, or closely related field is preferred.
• Five years of work experience in planning, zoning, or a closely related area is required.
• One year Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Membership in the American Planning Association (APA) is preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred.
• A valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or valid driver’s license from another state with the ability to obtain a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of municipal planning, zoning, and land development.
• Advanced knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of ESRI’s ARCGIS tools and interpreting maps.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret zoning maps.
• Ability to read and interpret diagrams, site development plans, plats, and other technical material.
• Effective oral and written communications skills, including the ability to relate technical information to the lay person, as well as interpersonal communication.
• Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations; speak in front of groups on a regular basis.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and plans to ensure that all requirements and regulations are met.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve planning problems and independently take decisions when needed. 
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops and meetings
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively manage time and work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management

3. Physical Requirements: Some tasks involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pounds) items.