Primary purpose:
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Planner for Long Range Planning. The Senior Planner for Long Range Planning is an integral member of the Long-Range Planning team and will focus on the research, analysis and implementation of Zoning Ordinance updates and comprehensive planning for the City. The Senior Planner (Long Range) will primarily assist and be responsible for preparing materials for the Zoning and Planning Committee of the City Council, including the preparation of memorandums and visual presentations on planning and zoning exercises that may ultimately be adopted as Zoning Ordinance amendments.
Supervision:
Scope and Judgment: Conducts research, analysis and implementation of City Zoning Ordinance updates and comprehensive planning. Primarily responsible for preparing materials for the Zoning and Planning Committee. Duties require mature and independent judgment and initiative to analyze, solve problems, and make decisions based on departmental, city, state and federal policies and regulations. Exercises considerable judgment and initiative in performing duties.
Supervision Received: Position reports to the Chief Planner for Long Range Planning. Operates in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations to independently complete assigned tasks according to a prescribed time schedule. Independently establishes own daily work plan based on regular routine and special assignments and based on the needs of the Executive Office, stakeholders, and/or the public as directed by the Chief Planner, Deputy Director, and/or Director of Planning.
Supervision Given: None.
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.)
▪ Assists in the research, preparation, and presentation of zoning, land use, housing, transportation, and other strategies related to long- and short-range planning studies.
▪ Provides staff and technical support on projects before the Land Use and Zoning & Planning Committees, Zoning Board of Appeals, Real Property Reuse Committee, Planning and Development Board and other advisory groups.
▪ Provides customer service to residents, the public, city staff, city councilors, and other stakeholders regarding the Zoning Ordinance and communicates information around development projects and zoning updates.
▪ Performs other project planning, management, needs assessments, oversight, and reports as requested by Planning Leadership.
▪ Works closely and frequently with colleagues in the Planning Department, Law Department, and Inspectional Services Department on zoning updates and long-term land use and zoning goals of the City.
▪ Prepares reports necessary for updating the Newton Comprehensive Plan and implementing its goals and actions, particularly related to zoning updates, land use petitions and comprehensive permit projects.
▪ 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.
▪ Works collaborative with Community Outreach Coordinator on community engagement for Planning Department projects and studies.
▪ Performs other duties as required.
Secondary Elements
▪ Attends and participates in staff, department or other meetings, some of which may be before or after normal business hours. Serve on assigned committees, task forces. Coordinates and participates in special events. Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest.
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 and one+ years of related experience (preferred). Broad knowledge of planning and the use of office equipment such as the personal computer and computer software. Excellent oral and written communications skills required.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is extremely desirable. Training and experience in Urban Design, Architecture or related areas is desirable. Familiarity with software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch-Up, In-Design is also desirable.
Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical information in mathematical or diagram form and make related decisions within the limits of established policies.
Skill: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific data, demographics, technical journals, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to present information, which may be controversial in nature, in written or oral format in a thoughtful balanced way rooted in fact and best practices. Ability to effectively present information to public groups and top City management. The person must have excellent oral and written communication 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, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.
▪ Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers.
▪ 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.)