Senior Planner

Under general supervision, assists developers and the public in applying planning and zoning regulations, and City guidelines, to complex development projects, technical issues, and land use plans.  May train and mentor department staff in daily activities. The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Answers inquiries and assists the public and developers with complex planning and technical review issues; provides advanced zoning, general plan, and subdivision information within scope ofauthority.
• Works directly with Community Development Director; researches complex issues and provides data on land use issues and relatedsubjects.
• Receives and processes a variety of planning applications, permits and technical documents, reviews applications for conformance with regulations, codes, project specifications, and regional protocols.
• Reviews complex building plans for consistency with zoning regulations and compliance with conditions of permitapproval.
• Researches and presents information to public; assures technical compliance with public notice requirements.  Makes presentations to boards and commissions, including Council meetings and the public  
• Prepares detailed staff reports on projects.
• Assists in compiling, arranging, analyzing and interpreting land use and designinformation.
• Coordinates with citizens' groups, advisory boards and commissions; develops cooperative professional relationships with local developers, realtors andcontractors.
• May mentor, or oversee Planner Tech, providing guidance and support with daily tasks.
• May train and support Community Development Planning staff, and review work, to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, including accuracy and timeliness.
• May assist with front counter coverage and assist with departmental phone calls and inquiries 
• Provides technical assistance by representing the City; responds to requests and inquiries and provides information to resolve compliance matters; participates in meeting on committees; researches, interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinance, zoning verifications and regulations, and conducts pre and post application meetings. 
• Performs other duties as assigned orrequired.

• Knowledge of City policies andprocedures.
• Advanced knowledge of standard land useregulations.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of land useplanning.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations affecting planning andzoning.
• Knowledge of the organization of local government and basic concepts of publicadministration
• Advanced skill in interpreting technical documents and mapspecifications.
• Skill in interpreting and applying Department standards, and Citypolicies.
• Advanced skill in researching and analyzing the factors affecting community planningprojects.
• Skill in preparing reports and checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other development agencies and the public.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specializedsoftware.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbal andwritten.
• Advanced ability to analyze a variety of complex administrative problems, to make sound recommendations for their solutions and to prepare work procedures

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Business or Public Administration; AND five (5) years’ experience in planning and development programs; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification required 

Must maintain a valid State of Arizona driver’s license.