Planner

The Planner reports to the Community Development Director and provides professional level work in the field of comprehensive urban planning including the gathering, analysis and reporting of social, economic and physical data. This position is responsible for overseeing complex planning projects, managing development reviews, and leading policy initiatives, while serving as a subject matter expert and advisor to staff, city officials, and developers, helping shape long-term growth strategies, land use policy, and zoning regulations. The Planner plays a key role in facilitating community engagement and promoting responsible and equitable development practices.

• Act as staff liaison with City Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and other agencies, committees, etc. as appropriate.  Review plans and prepare reports as part of development review to ensure these groups have accurate, complete data and information necessary to evaluate and approve submitted plans, projects, and applications.
• Develop and manage a business retention and expansion program focused on input gathered from area business owners, developers and others.  Function as a primary resource to the local business community by providing information and assistance on programs, partnerships and processes.
• Support and assist the Director of Community Development in the implementation, management and measurement/evaluation of specific goals and strategies identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Research and respond to all inquiries and requests for assistance related to the community development process, while providing a high level of customer service, both internally and externally.  
• Keep abreast of changing federal, state, local and private regulations, guidelines, procedures and trends related to urban planning and zoning.
• Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the City of Riverside.  Develop effective, positive relationships with the public, business owners, developers, attorneys, etc., while representing the City of Riverside in a highly professional manner at all times. 
• Support and assist the Community Development Director and other staff on all development projects from the planning and design phase through the close out process. Assist in special research projects as requested; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Communicate with and assist developers, property owners, the public and elected officials regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
• Review development proposals for conformance with City zoning codes and determine conformity with codes, policies, regulations and procedures.
• Coordinate with other City departments (Public Works, Fire, Police) and other relevant staff on development and building construction issues to ensure that development is compliant with approved plans.
• Review progress against the Comprehensive Plan and elevate unfinished issues.
• Utilize GIS and other resources to compile data, perform requested data analyses and mapping in support of project review and research.
• Collect, compile, prepare and distribute a variety of reports and documents including quarterly reports, federal and state documents and grant applications; monitor grant monies.
• Collect, record and summarize statistical and demographic information; prepare information for decennial census.
• Prepare, revise and administer the City’s zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, maps and subdivision regulations; study and evaluate land use conditions; collect preliminary materials and information on planning and zoning issues and concerns.
• As assigned, assist in the preparation and evaluation of neighborhood planning efforts, implement neighborhood programs and make appropriate recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Guidelines – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Civil Engineering, Economics, Environmental Design, or related fields is required.
• Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Civil Engineering, Economics, Environmental Design, or related fields is preferred.
• An AICP professional certification is preferred or required to complete within 2 years of hire.
• 5 years of experience in urban planning, community development, or economic development.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete within 1 year of hire the FEMA NIMS ICS 100 and 700 certifications.

Competencies/Skills:

• Demonstrated success in a similar position, preferably in the public sector.  
• Demonstrated proficiency in geographic information systems/mapping systems.  
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, enforce, and apply federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to land use, building and development, economic development and incentives, zoning and other municipal ordinances. 

• Ability to review applications, plans, permits, financial reports, and related documents; identify discrepancies, and resolve problems. 
• Ability to demonstrate creative and innovative thought process and sound decision making.

• Ability to process, prioritize and organize large and varying amounts of information with effective results. 

• Ability to provide a high degree of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills at all times, and establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other City employees, community representatives, elected officials, property owners, local businesses, architects, engineers, contractors, developers and the general public. Can demonstrate a high level of political acumen.  
• Skilled in planning, organization and project management.

• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately and professionally at all times.
• Ability to read, write, and understand the English language with proper spelling and grammar to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines with effective results. 

• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative and judgment in the planning and execution of tasks assigned.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 
• Proficient in standard office procedures, systems and practices including the use of a computer. 

• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

Physical/Environmental/Other:

• Majority of work is indoors; occasional outdoor work for site inspections.
• Must be able to visit properties or development sites in uneven terrain or construction zones.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Ability to work a standard Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm schedule in the office.  Required to attend all evening Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment meetings.  May be required to attend an occasional evening Board of Aldermen meeting.