Deputy Chief Planner

Primary purpose:

The Deputy Chief Planner is responsible for coordinating building permit review of large development projects with City staff and consultants; assisting with administration of new permitting software; managing development review requests for site plan approval and special permits, comprehensive permits, administrative site plan reviews and review of public building projects; and performs all other related work as required.

Supervision:

Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the Director of Planning and Development and Deputy Director and the general direction of the Chief Planner; and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies, priorities and standards. Maintains a strong sense of urgency in order to meet deadlines and respond to inquiries in a timely and efficient manner 

Supervision Given: While the Deputy Chief Planner does not directly supervise Planning staff, they are expected to assist in the assignment, training, direction and editing of written work within the Current Planning Team.  

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Coordinates building permit review of large development projects with City staff and consultants, as necessary.
• Assists with administration of City permitting software, with attention to monitoring, and ensuring compliance with ongoing requirements of City-approved development projects.
• Works with the long-range planning team to identify and manage zoning amendments and to oversee implementation of zoning amendments.
• Manages development review requests for site plan approval and special permits, comprehensive permits, administrative site plan reviews, and reviews of public building projects.
• Provides technical support, including attendance at public meetings, to the Land Use, Zoning & Planning, and Real Property Reuse Committees of the City Council. Such duties might also be extended to the Planning and Development Board, Urban Design Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and other advisory groups.
• Performs other project planning, management, needs assessments, oversight, and reports as requested by the Chief Planner, Deputy Director, and Director.
• Prepares reports necessary for updating the Newton Comprehensive Plan and implementing its goals and actions, particularly related to land use.
• Undertakes and reviews projects for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, working with staff from other City Departments, State Agencies, and citizen-based groups as necessary.
• Point person for cross collaboration amongst City Departments and Divisions which may include but are not limited to Department of Public Works (Transportation and Engineering), Parks, Recreation and Culture, Executive Office, Housing and Community Development to achieve common goals and resolve matters which extend across Departments.
• Under the direction of the Chief Planner, provides direct support in the training of Senior Planners. The Deputy Chief Planner is also responsible for reviewing, editing, and providing feedback on the Senior Planners work product (memorandums and other written materials associated with development review).
• Attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events. 

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.)

Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree (B.A) from four-year College or university in city planning, public administration, or related field; plus, two to five years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience; or Master’s degree (M.A.) in city planning, public administration, or related field and one+ years of related experience (preferred). Excellent oral and written communications skills required. Training and experience in Urban Design, Architecture or related areas is desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:   

Knowledge:  Position requires the ability to comprehend the scope of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to specialty area. Knowledge of clerical practices, office procedures and the operation of office equipment such as personal computers and computer software, data processing and/or word processing.

Ability:  Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on accuracy and detail as required by the job; Work collaboratively with coworkers in the office; Present information effectively, which may be controversial in nature and respond to questions from outside organizations, clients, citizens, or employees of the City. Ability to build successful working relationships across the City’s diverse variety of clients. Ability to organize time, work independently and accomplish tasks in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to maintain detailed records and data base. Ability to operate various types of office equipment.  Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to organize clerical and statistical records.  Ability to maintain detailed and extensive records and to prepare reports from same.  Ability to work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines. Ability to deal tactfully and professionally with the general public and City departments in an effective manner.  Ability to interpret and follow departmental procedures and guidelines. Ability to absorb and learn quickly and maintain a departmental sense of urgency. Ability to use judgement in the analysis of facts and circumstances to solve practical problems and deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Skill: Exceptional analytical skills; Excellent, clear, and effective writing and organizational skills; Accuracy and attention to detail; Highly motivated self-starter; Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written). Expertise and skill in using personal computers and common computer programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and database and spreadsheet applications. Excellent customer service skills. 

A strong commitment to public service required. 

Physical requirements/work environment

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. 

Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone, and standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers. 

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional office protocols. 

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, have a continuing adverse effect on the department’s ability to deliver services, be costly to correct and cause significant adverse public relations.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees