Planner II (Associate Planner)

ABOUT THE ROLE Working under the general supervision of the Land Use Bureau Chief, the Land Use Planner performs advanced planning and zoning tasks, manages assigned projects, and conducts unique analyses and studies. This role represents the department on land use and zoning matters with various Land Use Boards, governmental commissions, community groups, and stakeholders, while also overseeing fund programming activities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide direct support to Land Use Boards, including the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Environmental Protection Board, and Historic Preservation Advisory Commission - Analyze and prepare written reviews of complex land use and project development applications, monitoring completion through the permit administration process - Liaise with Land Use staff, other City departments, applicants, and Boards to ensure expedient and thorough application reviews - Attend meetings with various boards, civic groups, and officials to work toward long-term land use solutions, including nights and weekends if required - Prepare and administer illustrated guidelines for urban design, architectural conservation, and streetscape improvement programs - Assist City departments and the public in reviewing development proposals for regulatory compliance - Prepare complex written, graphic, and oral analyses of planning and zoning projects - Perform reviews of zoning regulations and prepare necessary updates - Coordinate land use and zoning studies, including the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood plans, and housing plans - Interpret, apply, and explain local, state, and federal laws, rules, and zoning regulations - Develop and coordinate complex work programs, research projects, and analytical studies - Write grant applications and prepare Requests for Proposals as needed MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or a closely related field - Five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience - Note: A Master's degree in Planning or a related field, or membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners, may substitute for one year of work experience SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Knowledge of planning theory, methods, procedures, and zoning and environmental regulations - Knowledge of land use problems associated with sustainable urban growth and comprehensive planning - Ability to conduct independent research, field surveys, zoning analyses, and land use studies - Ability to understand, summarize, interpret, and apply complex planning, zoning, and legal information - Ability to assess the social, transportation, economic, and land use consequences of planning actions - Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems and graphic communication software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Tableau - Political acuity and awareness of societal issues - Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, and graphically with diverse stakeholders SELECTION PROCESS - Specific selection steps are not detailed in the job posting HOW TO APPLY - Specific application instructions are not provided in the job posting - Candidates should refer to the official municipal or city government careers portal for application submission details EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Reports to: Land Use Bureau Chief - Schedule: Standard hours, but may require attending meetings at night and on weekends as required by board and community schedules