Planner I

The purpose of this job is to assist the public at counter and over the phone to interpret and administer the zoning ordinance. Works with developers and prepares cases for review by the Planning Commission. Performs various outreach efforts regarding planning and zoning, including plan and permit review and approval and other tasks as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides counter and phone assistance to respond to public inquiries regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances
• Assists higher planners on assigned projects or portions of projects involving a variety of urban planning projects; including the City's master plan; compiles and analyzes data on current conditions and trends such as land use, population and housing; assists in census analysis; prepares statistical data as required
• Performs research on zoning regulations which impact various neighborhoods within the City; assists in drafting responses to developers' questions concerning zoning matters; participates in meetings with property owners and developers; reviews plans for conformance with regulations
• Assists in the preparation of supporting materials for presentation at various planning and/or zoning meetings; responds to questions from meeting participants and researches answers for later presentation; prepares documentation to support departmental position on diverse matters
• Works with Code Compliance division staff to compile data and provide various reports and records for documentation purposes, accountability and future reference
• Communicates with developers, engineers, design professionals, city administrators, regulatory agencies, and the public in regard to land use and zoning
• Assists with building permit and land use site plan reviews to ensure that zoning requirements and decisions/stipulations of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Commission are being incorporated in the land development and use process
• May perform drafting duties using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) tools or traditional methods; submits projects for review to a senior level planner
• Provides intern guidance
• Performs related work as required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field 

--AND--

• Some related work experience which could be satisfied through the completion of an internship or directly related project 

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None 

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• State statutes and municipal ordinances which apply to municipal planning in Grand Rapids
• Census procedures and the application of demographics to municipal planning
• Zoning case law and past precedents
• Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan.
• City and departmental priorities
• Urban design

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships 
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Verbal and written communication

Ability to:

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Apply, or learn Computer Aided Drafting procedure
• Perform research and to accurately represent the City's position in regards to the municipal ordinances as they apply to the master plan and zoning regulations
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Prepare accurate reports and figures
• Explain complex site and building issues
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Make moderate discretionary decisions and interpretations of ordinance

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks 

 

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application 

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note: 
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules.  For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.  

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)