This position performs professional planning functions. An incumbent in this position has professional planning experience and has significant knowledge in urban, community, and land use planning.
- Performs demographics and land use analysis.
- Reviews or assists in the review of development proposals and site plans.
- Assists in the evaluation of rezoning requests, ordinance amendments, development plans, subdivision reviews, special use permits, variances, certificate of appropriateness (historic) and development plan site reviews, etc.
- Provides support to the Historic Preservation Committee, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, and the Planning Commission as assigned.
- Performs geographic information system (GIS) mapping functions.
- Develops project plan documents, including scope of work, RFQs and RFPs, project timelines, etc.; evaluates bids and recommends consultant teams; coordinates public meetings; develops press releases; makes project related presentations to civic groups.
- Develops design concepts; conducts related site visits; develops alternative concepts; presents design proposal for review and revises designs as instructed.
- Manages brownfield projects; coordinates and participates in public meetings; maintains brownfield inventory; ensures compliance with city and EPA guidelines; coordinates the work of consultants and other stakeholders; performs detailed reviews of all reports; develops and reviews a variety of related reports and documents.
- Manages assigned capital improvement projects; develops scope of work and cost estimates; coordinates project team members; ensures compliance with codes and regulations; oversees the work of contractors.
- Develops plans, planning studies, and related reports in support of new and updated plans, programs, and regulations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques commonly applied in community planning.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Knowledge of city codes, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations.
- Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of project management principles.
- Knowledge of project design principles.
- Skill in preparing clear and precise reports.
- Skill in reading and preparing maps, charts, and surveys.
- Skill in problem solving.
- Skill in prioritizing and planning.
- Skill in interpersonal relations.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Principal Planner assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Principal Planner spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include the city code, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Historic Preservation Ordinance and design guidelines, EPA and ADEM regulations, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations combined with the unique nature of each case in question contributes to the complexity of the position.
- Complexity of assignments will increase with experience and the successful completion of previous assignments.
- Success in this position contributes to the growth and development of the city.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city employees, contractors, developers, business owners, elected and appointed officials, attorneys, and members of the public.
- Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and must distinguish between shades of color.
- The work is typically performed in an office as well as inspections and field work as needed.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
Planner, Administrative Coordinator, Secretary, and Planning Assistant.
- Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Community Planning, or closely related field; and
- Four (4) years recent experience in urban, regional, and/or community planning or a closely related field (Geography, Landscape Architecture).
- Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a master’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Community Planning, or closely related field preferred.
- Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners preferred.
- Note: A master’s degree from an accredited* college or university in Urban Planning, Geography, Community Planning, or closely related field substitutes for two (2) years experience.
*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid driver license and acceptable driving record. (PBA 9/10/01)
- An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
- Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)
- Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standard, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.
Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailingjobs@dothan.org.
An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer
