Planner - City of Alamo Heights

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position under the general direction and supervision of the Director of Community Development Services. This position is responsible for performing technical tasks, including development application processing, subdivision plat review, site plan review, and research. The position assists the general public with planning and development concerns and inquiries, and provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, and the Architectural Review Board.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide outstanding service to internal staff and customers to include general public, contractors, and elected officials.
• Process incoming applications for departmental review related to permits, licenses, registrations, and Boards and Commissions.
• Handles payments, prepares receipts, balances cash drawer, and keeps accurate record of deposits.
• Evaluates and reviews residential site plans, commercial site plans, multi-family site plans, rezoning, ordinance amendments, specific use permits, variances, plats, and other proposals for compliance with ordinances, regulations, and plans, and reviews plat/subdivision applications.
• Researches plans and reports for compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Coordinates with landowners, engineers, architects, tradesmen, and others in regards to project management and document review for new development.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to various government bodies.
• Assists with code compliance regarding regulation, research, and mailings.
• Performs research necessary for new developments.
• Interprets and applies applicable state and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Drafts memoranda, letters, and reports related to research findings; creates graphics to display research findings; assists other staff members with graphical presentation materials as needed.
• Utilizes GIS software to perform proper notification regarding zoning changes, variances, and other state regulations for notifications.
• Responds to department requests for information; answers questions and responds to inquiries from the development community and the general public with regard to planning and development regulations.
• Attends Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Architectural Review Board, and City Council meetings and community meetings as necessary.
• Takes and compiles meeting minutes for the various Boards and Commissions.
• Intakes Board applications and ensures submittals are complete.
• Creates and processes public notices and posts meeting agendas for the various Boards and Commissions.
• Assists in developing long-range plans for community and development issues.
• Assist in developing strategies to promote economic and community development for efficient land use consistent with community goals.
• Attends AICP training seminars & land use and planning (legal updates) seminars.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Development Services and City Manager.

OTHER DUTIESPlease note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of planning experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; or a master's degree in planning or a related field in lieu of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning, including pertinent federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and rules, methods and techniques of problem solving, research procedures, and public relations.
• Must possess the ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action, and be able to make clear decisions in stressful situations.
• Analyze and interpret data, policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials in local, state, and federal government, and in the private sector.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment managing multiple projects and responsibilities with a positive attitude in a fast pace environment.
• Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, MyPermitNow/MyGovernmentOnline software, InCode Building Projects software, and agenda and memo preparation is desirable.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Valid Driver's license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate is preferred.
• A valid Texas driver's license; or obtain within 6 months of date of hire is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Visual acuity, speech, and hearing; hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment
• Tasks and assignments are performed mainly indoors in a climate-controlled environment; works a 5-day, 40-hour week; and is required to attend meetings after normal working hours, as neccessary.
• Required to be available after normal working hours as appropriate to meet community needs.
• Required to inspect proposed development and construction sites where hazardous conditions may exist.
• During field work, may be exposed to weather extremes, brief periods of loud noise from machinery, hydrocarbons, acids, asphalt and untreated water and wastewater.

This class specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this class specification at any time without notice.