Job Details

Planner I

The Planner I performs planning functions; review of planning and zoning applications, administration of the City's Comprehensive Plan, land use and development regulations and zoning ordinances. Assist in identification of issues/problems, research and data gathering, and implementation of plans. Position requires considerable communication with developers, engineers, design professionals, regulatory agencies and the public.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in developing of elements of the city's comprehensive planning program and updating of plans necessary for the formulation of elements of the Master Comprehensive Plan, the implementation tools of those plans and other basic and applied planning studies concerning the physical development of urban areas.
• Assists in developing and preparing reports and projects for other departments, commissions or boards and private developers as requested by the Administrator.
• Assists in population, socio-economic, housing, land use, and transportation data collection and analysis and helps prepare estimates and projections.
• Provides information on land use application, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owner, community groups and interested persons over the phone and in person.
• Administers zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, sign ordinances and various other ordinances and codes.
• Assists in the preparation of state and federal grants as directed.
• Conducts field inspections.

Knowledge, skills and abilities must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques and design of urban planning including the understanding of the fundamentals of construction.
• Knowledge of the general principles and practices of transportation as applied to urban planning and development.
• Ability to make recommendations recognizing established precedents and practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems for which there has been no precedent established.
• Ability to reach, analyze, and interpret planning periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to demonstrate consistent tact and courtesy in frequent public contact.
• Ability to work mathematical concepts such as statistical inference, and fundamentals of data collection organization and analysis to interpret significant aspects and precedents inherent in planning and development problems. Ability to apply these concepts to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisor and other departments.

Education and experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; one or two year's related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Experience in professional planning and/or design work is preferred. Basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems software, database management, PC Operating systems, and networking systems is preferred. Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Required Licenses or Certificates Must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 10+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are both indoors and outdoors.