Senior Planner

Lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for providing planning services to the City; create, organize and complete a major program and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

The Transit Department is in an exciting phase of renewal and growth, and the Senior Planner will support ABQ RIDE’s planning team on upcoming projects, collaboration with other agencies, and compliance programs.  Upcoming projects that the Senior Planner will support in various capacities include a complex joint development project with a private developer to build affordable housing alongside a major upgrade to our Uptown Transit Center, planning, designing and building new park & ride facilities, developing plans for rehabilitating an entire 7-acre operations and maintenance facility, and reinvigorating the area around ABQ RIDE’s multi-modal transit center in downtown Albuquerque.  

The Senior Planner will participate in collaboration with the Mid-Region MPO, Bernalillo County, the City’s Planning Department and other local agencies on efforts ranging from long-range plans, to participating in corridor studies, to reviewing individual site development plans.  In addition, the Senior Planner will support on-going programs to comply with Federal Transit Administration requirements with important goals such as ensuring equitable distribution of transit service and amenities.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Lead, plan, train and review the work of staff responsible for providing planning and development operations for the City.
2. Plan, direct and participate in planning activities, policy development, instructional material development, procedure development and project management in assigned area of responsibility.
3. Assume responsibility for developing and implementing programs to enhance planning and development programs, and development of instructional material as required.
4. Train assigned employees in their areas of work including planning methods, procedures and techniques.
5. Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
6. Review planning and development projects within assigned area for consistency with applicable policies, rules and regulations.
7. Provide analysis and recommend actions to officials, business groups and other professionals on all aspects of planning.
8. Coordinate inter-agency staff to create and modify major plans, guidelines and procedures in assigned area.
9. Collect and organize specialized data for periodic reports and maintenance of information related to departmental and/or community needs, goals and services; analyze alternative solutions to ensure system changes conform to strategies and policies in assigned area.
10. Communicate and work with decision makers, both administration and elected officials, at the local, state and national levels.
11. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
12. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend changes as necessary

When assigned to the Planning Department - Historic Preservation:

1. Coordinate design and development review for sites in Historic Protection Overlay Zones (HPOs) and Landmarked buildings/sites.
2. Coordinate historic preservation projects and initiatives with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) when necessary.
3. Oversee the implementation and enforcement of applicable HPO design regulations.
4. Maintain and update historic preservation data, files and information for specific areas and sites.
5. Provide historic preservation guidance and input to various planners (Long Range, Current and Metropolitan Redevelopment) for drafting plans and policies, and development review.
6. Research and apply for grants and other financial resources that benefit historic preservation efforts and programs.
7. Train staff to provide historic preservation education and guidance to property owners, developers and design professionals.

When assigned to the Transit Department:

1. Lead paratransit planning which includes analysis of vehicle scheduling and origin-destination patterns.
2. Lead  fixed-route planning which includes analysis of route structure and evaluation of routes, headway and operational changes.
3. Lead, coordinate and participate in transit corridor and facility development projects.

When assigned to Emergency Management:

1. Research, develop, analyze, and maintain complex and comprehensive emergency and disaster plans, policies, and procedures; develop and prepare emergency information sheets, brochures, procedures manuals, and checklists.
2. Assist and advise schools, industry groups, the public and other various groups in disaster preparedness planning efforts and ensures readiness of emergency operations personnel, facilities, and equipment.
3. Coordinate with emergency staff to develop disaster and emergency response and recovery exercises and training.
4. Coordinate the Planning Section during response to active emergencies and disasters in the Emergency Operations Center.
5. Assist in researching, applying, and tracking of grants related to emergency preparedness.
6. Develop and write reports and correspondence; and maintain and provide disaster and emergency information to representatives of government agencies, community groups, business organizations, and the public.

When assigned to the Parks and Recreation Department:

1. Coordinate the development of Park Masterplans.
2. Assist in negotiating leases and maintaining a database.
3. Participate in the staffing process for public boards and commissions.
4. Provide guidance and input to various planners on drafting plans, policies, and development review relating to Parks and Recreation.
5. Assist with grants activities related to park development, programs, and initiatives.       

When assigned to the Department of Municipal Development

1. Plan, direct, coordinate, and participate in the preparation, public outreach, implementation, analysis, and evaluation of transportation or traffic safety plans, studies, projects, programs, policies, and complementary events such as Bike to Wherever Day
2. Assist in tracking the implementation and technical analysis of active transportation and traffic safety projects/countermeasures and those identified in plans such as the Bikeway and Trail Facilities Plan or Vision Zero Action Plan. Assist in keeping data tracking layers up-to-date.
3. Organize, conduct, and participate in public boards or commission meetings
4. Make clear and concise presentations to the community and advocacy groups, elected officials, City staff, and peer agencies to explain or advance plans, projects, studies, or initiatives
5. Coordinate with and provide guidance or input to other Departments, planners, or staff in drafting plans, policies, and development review relating to transportation and traffic safety 
6. Participate in the selection and supervision of consultants; oversee consultant contracts and track and review invoices for payment.
7. Assist in researching, applying, and tracking eligible grant activities related to transportation planning, programs, and initiatives

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend and participate in a variety of group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning.
2. May participate in the selection of the assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or field directly related to this job description; and

Five (5) years managerial planning experience; and 

To include two (2) years supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.

May work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.Environmental:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.