Listing Summary

Job Title:            Planner
Reports to:         Planning and Economic Development Director

Department:      Community and Economic Development Department

Work Hours:      8:00 am – 5:00 pm weekdays generally; will require a minimum of three evening meetings per month and some weekends.
Annual Salary Range: $50,482 - $82,763 DOQ.

(This position is Exempt, and includes paid holidays and optional medical, dental, and vision benefits.)

 

Purpose of Work:

This is a professional planning position with the City of Decatur’s Community and Economic Development Department (CED). This position is responsible for the review of plans and development proposals, creation and presentation of reports, field inspections and assessments, interpreting and applying a variety of codes and ordinances, assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive plan, identifies issues and suggests solutions achieved through community planning, promotes economic and community development, develops project budgets and administers the bidding process, serves as a liaison to the Planning Commission and similar boards, and develops local plans and coordinates on regional planning efforts.  

 

Specific Job Duties:

This position requires technical knowledge in the fields of zoning, land use planning, and community design.  This position will primarily play a role in areas of long-range planning, policy development and implementation, and will play a pivotal role on the city’s interdepartmental planning team.  This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with residents, city staff and the development community.  Specifically the successful applicant:

• Serves as primary staff to a City board or commission, as assigned, which may include tasks such as preparing monthly agendas, public notices, review of application materials, preparation of staff reports, participating in evening meetings, minutes of the meetings, and related correspondence with applicants.
• Serves as secondary staff to the Planning Commission, which includes preparing monthly agendas, public notices, review of application materials, drafting staff reports and ordinances, attending evening meetings, minutes of the meetings, and related correspondence with applicants.
• Assists with applications to determine compliance with the City’s Unified Development Ordinance.
• Meets with applicants to provide commercial and residential plan review for zoning compliance and design review as needed.
• Assists with recommendations for future land use planning policy and ordinance amendments.
• Assists with various task forces and planning initiatives.
• Assists in updating existing planning documents through analytical research, civic engagement, policy development; plans included but are not limited to the: City’s Comprehensive Plan, LCI Plan and Strategic Plan.
• Conducts residential and commercial zoning plan review for land disturbance and building permit issuance as needed.
• Assist constituents with planning and zoning questions via phone or e-mail, and coordinates applicant meetings.
• Drafts letters, memos, and zoning compliance reports.
• Supports the Planning & Economic Development Director in various planning programs, projects and task forces.
• Performs all other duties as needed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field from an accredited college or university. A minimum of two years of experience in a planning, zoning and development related office. AICP Certification is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class C) with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR). Must be able to drive and operate assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.   

Demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, the practices of research and data collection, written and oral communication techniques, comprehend and make inferences from written material, ability to review plans and apply provisions of ordinances and codes to determine compliance, knowledge of computer hardware and software programs – including GIS.
• Preferred: Knowledge of one or more in-depth specialties such as economic development, transportation planning, affordable housing, or historic preservation; experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and relevant programs; knowledge and experience in construction projects, group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.

• Good organizational skills, interpersonal skills, data entry skills, and project management skills.
• Independent judgment and discretion in setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.

 

 

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit and stand for varying periods of time.  Must be able to see, hear, speak, write, and operate office equipment such as phones, computers, fax machine, copy machine, radios, etc.  Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30lbs

 

Other information

This job description includes the major duties and responsibilities of the job and is not to be construed as all-inclusive. The duties listed here 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 is a logical assignment to the position.

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.

How to Apply: Please submit your application by 5:00 PM, Monday, February 23, 2023 for assured consideration. Review of applications will begin January 9, 2023. Interested persons should submit a one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and a resume.  All application materials must be submitted online at http://www.decaturga.com/jobs.

 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.