Listing Summary

General Description and Classification Standards

The Urban Planner is responsible for developing plans and programs for the usage of the City’s land and using those plans to create communities, accommodate growth, or revitalize physical facilities. Duties at this level include but are not limited to: providing quality customer service to the stakeholders of Atlanta; ensuring that staff reports for land use amendments, open record requests and applications are processed efficiently and in a timely manner; and performing administrative, analytical and technical functions in the development, implementation and monitoring of land use policies. This is a fully seasoned professional level capable of independently carrying out most assignments typical of the profession. This level would be attainable by multiple incumbents in a work group (not necessarily by all), but would not be an "automatic" promotional level.

Supervision Received

Direction received is very general and focuses on end results and is typically collaborative in nature.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

Prepares data and staff reports related to zoning cases and text amendments. Works with the Strategic Planning Division to develop and complete the Comprehensive Development Plan that will guide the future growth and development of the City. Assists with leading in the process of establishing a new ordinance for the zoning regulations for City Property. Attends meetings as required such as Green Team meetings and assists with green space and park-related matters, the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) meetings and Atlanta Planning Advisory Board meetings. Prepare staff reports for land use amendments. Assists the Secretary of the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Accepts applications and questions from customers while serving as the “Planner on Duty” on a monthly basis. Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations. Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations. Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies. Collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data and occupancy rates. Develops and maintains a statistical reporting system; compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic and housing trends, community needs and zoning problems. Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans. Coordinates community review of public and private development projects. Provides information to the public regarding development regulations. Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues. Conducts field evaluations and assessments. Maintains planning documents, planning and development codes and related regulations for research, documentation and public access. Maintains land use and development data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and uses GIS to analyze land uses and prepare maps, graphics, reports and related documents. Coordinates with the City Attorney, City Engineer, building officials, Planning Commission and other officials in matters relating to planning and zoning and development in the City. Assists with the preparation, revision and update of the City General Plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, sign code and other ordinances that relate to City growth and development. Provides information to GIS personnel to keep the zoning and land use maps up-to-date.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies. Establishes work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc. Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks.

Leadership Provided

Serves as a technical resource or mentor to other employees. May lead or instruct less experienced workers in high level or technical jobs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

Knowledge of: GIS and how to prepare maps, graphics and reports; spreadsheets, databases and software to help visualize and present design projects; planning and zoning, economic development and related principles, methodologies, processes and practices; urban planning research methodology, including field inspections, computer and electronic searches, and archive and file searches; principles and practices of developmental design and engineering, including architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, site design and development, traffic engineering and impacts and land use compatibility.

Skill in: oral communication and interpersonal relationships to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public; creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.

Ability to: read and interpret city master plans, regulatory codes, technical and operational documents, reports, research material and information, blueprints and maps; analyze applications and apply relevant regulatory ordinances and codes; operate and maintain a GIS computer system; prepare and present oral, written and graphic reports, documents, brochures and pamphlets, maps, and related planning and development documentation; operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties; communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, customers, citizen groups and other employees.

Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering, public administration, public policy or related field. 5 years of related experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications - Education & Experience

Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design, engineering, architecture, public administration, public policy or related field and 5-8 years of experience in municipal planning preferred (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis); some supervisory experience desired.

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Required: Valid Georgia driver’s license

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Section 106 certification (preferred)

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.