Principal Planner

*Please note that applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications may be considered for the title of Senior Planner*
The Principal Planner manages and participates in advanced, highly complex professional planning activities. This position functions as the most senior planner, with expertise in a particular specialization.

• Manages the implementation of long-range planning documents, including the comprehensive plan for land use, transportation, utilities, annexation, and other elements.
• Serves as the staff lead for the Downtown District, providing technical advice and coordinating activities necessary to implement the Downtown Vision and Downtown Actions Plan.
• Addresses citizens and community groups regarding City Plans, policies, and actions.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Develops and recommends operations procedures.
• Develops short and long-range plans.
• Oversees specialized planning functions, such as large-scale new development proposals.
• Hires and supervises department interns to ensure effective and efficient operations; assigns, schedules, and reviews work; provides or arranges work-related training/education; completes performance evaluations; conducts counseling and takes disciplinary measures as required; terminates personnel when necessary.
• Works on special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Formal Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field.
Relatable Work Experience: Eight (8) years of municipal planning experience.
Training (Licenses(s) and/or Certification(s): N/A
Preferred Qualifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is define as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Knowledge of local codes and ordinances, current principles of planning practices and procedures. 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws relating to planning and urban development.  
• Knowledge of city policies, practices, and procedures.   
• Skill in using personal computers and associated software programs, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and making decisions.  
• Expertise in researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. 
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, and regulations. 
• Familiarity with project management techniques.
• Ability to multi-task and perform numerous job functions with minimal assistance.
• Ability to establish and maintain professionally effective relationships with external public/vendors, internal management and non-management employees, and City and other government officials.
• Ability to develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures to provide effective and efficient services for the City.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong time and task management abilities. 

Environmental Factors and Other Physical Requirements (Work Environment):

• Subject to sitting and standing to perform essential functions in an office environment.
• Visual acuity, speech, and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate office equipment.
• Regularly scheduled for 5-day, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday; occasional overtime may be required.