Planner II

Position: Town Planner

Department: Community

Development Reports to: Community Development Director

Salary: $68,250 – $98,220 DOQ

Benefits Click Here

Position Summary This position applies the town codes of Gypsum in an impartial and professional manner through the land planning process. The position of Planner II requires professional planning work of moderate difficulty. It is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a more elevated level of required duties and responsibilities compared with the Planner I.  Duties support the objectives determined by the Community Development Director, Town Council, Town Manager, and Assistant Town Manager.

Supervision Received  Works under the general guidance and direction of the Community Development Director.

Supervision Exercised  None

Essential Functions

• Serve as the town’s expert for land use planning and zoning, interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local regulations, organizes and schedules work activities of the department, and ensures the efficient processing of requests to provide a positive experience for the public.
• Conduct the review and processing of a wide variety of development applications including subdivision, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezoning, and coordinate with other town departments and outside agencies on these reviews.
• Regularly attend meetings outside of normal business hours, including planning commission, town council and design review board meetings, and write and present formal and technical reports, presentations and recommendations to these boards.
• Recommend the adoption of new regulations or amendments to existing regulations of the town’s municipal code related to areas of the planning department.
• Review and inspect site plans, as part of the building permit process, for compliance with landscaping, height, setbacks, special restrictions and other applicable regulations.
• Meet with contractors, business owners, developers, and homeowners to explain zoning codes, subdivision processes, and planning goals in a timely, professional and helpful manner, and identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities that could be mitigated through better community planning.
• Represents the town at meetings of outside agencies that may have impact on the land development process or the future development of the town.
• Adhere to safety policies, observing and correcting safety hazards, and participating in safety-related functions and training.
• Assist with actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
• Assist with strategies to promote economic development.
• Assist in writing a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to department controls.
• Work with developers, builders, and residents in a professional and courteous manner to maintain the intent of the Town’s regulations while finding creative solutions to problems that may arise.
• Maintain a positive attitude to help provide a pleasant and productive atmosphere for co-workers, board members and citizens.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Community Development Director.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Planning principles, theories, and practices.
• Advanced understanding of site design principles.
• Advanced understanding of basic town subdivision, zoning, and nuisance regulations.
• Advanced understanding of public relations.
• One or more planning specializations, such as economic development, transportation, long-term or environmental planning.
• Principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge or experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant federal programs.
• Computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
• Best management practices and safety procedures.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Clearly communicate deviation of violations from the zoning code.
• Read, interpret and discuss blueprints.
• Maintain confidentiality and to sense when it is required or prudent.
• Deal courteously, professionally, and tactfully with the general public, fellow employees, and board members in a variety of circumstances.
• Exercise independent discretion and judgment in the performance of the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities.
• Enforce town codes and land use regulations.
• Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Confident, articulate and professional, written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in using common computer hardware, software products and other types of office equipment.
• Effective and professional critiques of subdivision and zoning requests.
• Effective prioritization, organization, decision making, and time management skills.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.

Education and Experience

• The Planner II level generally requires a master’s degree with two years of experience in the planning profession. The town may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree and four years of professional planning experience.
• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in land planning, urban development, or another related field of study
• Three (3) years’ experience in land planning or urban development in the private or public sector (public sector is preferred)

OR

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

Work Environment

• Physical Demands:  Sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds; occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing; vision for reading and interpreting reports and documents; hand/eye coordination for operation of computer; frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.

This description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skill, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making compensation decisions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.