This position manages the provision of professional planning support for a variety of city development activities.
• Serves as technical advisor to the Planning Commission on city planning and development matters; recommends projects and programs.

• Directs and coordinates the implementation of the city’s master plan and in the coordination of public interests and with the needs of the private sector in the development and enforcement of land development policies.

• Plans, supervises, and participates in the development and updating of the City’s comprehensive plan and other planning studies and special projects.

• Reviews and evaluates all proposed subdivision layouts, preliminary plans, site plans, and subdivision construction plans for compliance the regulations, ordinances, and plan requirements; reviews and evaluates apartment site plans and other projects.

• Prepares a variety of regular and special reports; prepares planning recommendations for consideration by the Technical Review Committee, the Planning Commission, and the City Council.

• Manages major projects or particularly complex planning problems; coordinates preparation, review, and implementation of planning work with other city departments, property owners, neighborhood associations, developers, and other jurisdictions.

• Researches zoning and subdivision topics; formulates zoning and subdivision policy; drafts amendments to the zoning ordinance, zoning maps, and subdivision regulations.

• Prepares and delivers reports and presentations to public officials, boards and committees, private organizations, and the general public.

• Assists in the preparation of Zoning Adjustment and Planning Commission agenda minutes and public notices.

• Reviews annexation, subdivision, and zoning matters; consults with and advises applicants; oversees the notification and review process; prepares and maintains maps and documents for Zoning Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council action.

• Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, develops, evaluates and coaches department personnel.

• Participates in the preparation of comprehensive reports based upon careful research and study of planning challenges.

• Ensures a collaborative, cooperative and customer oriented department culture when dealing with internal and external shareholders by Consulting with supervisors, department heads, human resources finance department, the mayor, city council, and other agency and City officials to review departmental operations, discuss problems, coordinate activities, develop long-term plans, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction.

• Supervises the assignment or revision recommendations for voting districts and submits for review.

• Directs the revision and maintenance of the City zoning ordinances.

• Advises and cooperates with City officials in connection with new or contemplated capital improvements.

• Maintains effective liaison relationships with governmental agencies and officials in the metropolitan area.

• Prepares the annual budget for the planning department; monitors expenditures and revises budget as necessary.

• Develops and delivers public presentations.

• Establishes systems and processes for new departmental activities.

• Serves on committees and attends meeting.

• Advises census bureau of geographic and demographic developments; recommends changes to census tract boundaries.

• Serves as witness in court cases involving Planning & Zoning.

• Analyzes shifts in population and drafts redistricting plans.

• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations regarding planning and zoning practices; reviews professional journals/publications.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern urban planning as they pertain to the physical, social, and economic design and development of urban areas.

• Knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of urban planning.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Knowledge of city codes, zoning regulations, and subdivision ordinances.

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of statistics and technical writing standards.

• Skill in the formulation of recommends for planning standards, and in preparing clear and precise reports to include statistical and technical information.

• Skill in reading 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 Mayor assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives, and reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the city code, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, Census Bureau guidelines, 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 professional planning duties. Coordinating activities with a variety of stakeholders contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to provide professional planning support for city operations. Success in this position contributes to the positive growth and development of the city.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city employees, planners, engineers, architects, attorneys, surveyors, land owners, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed in an office setting while sitting a desk or table; some outdoors. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and distinguishes between shades of color.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Provides management and leadership for the planning department personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in Urban/Regional Planning and Development, Public Administration, or other course of study related to this occupational field, or equivalent work education, experience and knowledge consistent with competency developed through formal education and training. Graduate degree highly desirable.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with ten (10) or more years’ experience or service in a similar position, including prior supervisory and management experience.

• Must be proficient with computers, including Microsoft office products such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Adobe, as well as other departmental systems or software programs that may be required as part of this position. Prior experience in functional information management system implementation highly desirable.

• Must have an understanding of, and ability to demonstrate, an appearance that is polished, professional and knowledgeable to employees, departments, City officials, business leaders and other entities seeking to do business with the City. This is includes professional dress and grooming as well as exceptional public presentation and speaking skills.

• Must be able to effectively conduct meetings, including preparing and delivering presentations and reports.

• Must possess a current AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification, and be willing to complete seven (7) hours of Continuing Education Courses (CEC’s) per year and one CEC on planning every three years.

• Possession of a valid Driver’s License

• Residency within the Decatur city limits is highly desirable and preferred.

The City of Decatur is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability or any other protected status.