Associate Planner

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION: This position performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical, and professional work related to the administration and enforcement of land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, related municipal plans, and policies. Work involves preparing highly detailed staff reports and presentations to the public and governmental bodies, and an understanding of urban planning concepts.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Perform a variety of routine and moderately complex administrative, technical, and professional work related to the administration and enforcement of land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, related municipal plans, and policies.
• Assist in the preparation of planning studies, reports, programs, and projects, responding to public inquiries on a broad range of topics related to planning, land use, zoning, and development. Perform data research and analysis and prepare related staff reports.
• Provide information on permitted land uses as per zoning regulations and prepares Zoning Compliance Certificates and Zoning Verification Letters.
• Interpret and apply applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations; Initiate actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of such codes, ordinances, and regulations; research and draft codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Review, analyze and evaluate development proposals, including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, special use permits, and rezoning for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations; make verbal presentations of cases at public meetings as requested.
• Works with GIS software to integrate information to map city zoning, land use, land banking, lots, subdivisions, plats, and other related items.
• Answers telephones and gives information to callers, takes messages, or transfers calls to appropriate individuals.
• Will develop presentations and attend public meetings to assist the Director of Planning & Community Development.
• Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and phone systems, and uses computers for spreadsheet, word processing, database management, and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
• Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned reporting to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Associate Planner reports directly to the Director of Planning and Community Development.

The Associate Planner does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Urban, Regional, and/or City Planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Public Administration, Government; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as further set forth herein to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Knowledge of principles of city planning.
• Knowledge of and skill in determining appropriate research and analysis methodologies.
• Ability to think logically.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to draw valid conclusions from research and analysis.
• Ability to travel.
• Skill in working efficiently and accurately with information.
• Skill in managing planning functions for long-range or current requirements.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in working with large quantities of data, including spatial data.
• Skill in assessing salient information through research, conferences, and examinations. 
• Skill in working projects through to completion within specified time frames.
• Skill in relating to people from various socio-economic and professional backgrounds.
• Skill in writing technical reports.
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical, narrative, and graphic displays.
• Skill in recalling information.
• Willingness to assume responsibility for work performed.

Departmental Preferences

• Experience in interpreting and applying complex federal, state and local grant regulations and principles.
• Applicant should have or be willing to work towards an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or AICP Candidate designation.
• Experience in project coordination and management in a related area.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Applications as well as Adobe Pro software.
• Knowledge of GIS Mapping and the ability to analyze large scale datasets from multiple sources.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone.  Frequent sitting and stooping; occasional walking, standing, climbing, twisting, handling, balancing and repetitive movements are required.  Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to twenty (20) pounds.  Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.  Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver's license is required. 

Internal candidates must receive at least an "average" on each rating on the internal evaluation form.  If the internal candidate received a written reprimand their application will not be considered for six (6) months.  If the internal candidate received a suspension or demotion their application will not be considered for twelve (12) months.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Work in this classification is primarily indoors in an office environment.  Will travel to other city locations as required.

Notice:  This classification is a "safety sensitive" position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a "safety sensitive" classification, the employee will be subject to drug and alcohol testing including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse the employee from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana. 

WORK HOURS:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

PAY GRADE:  45