Planning Manager - City of Pocatello

Job Description

The Planning Manager is an advanced level professional position within the Planning and Development Services Department that leads and manages other professionals, collaborates with community and developers, and contributes to the formulation and implementation of the city-wide planning initiatives. The Planning Manager is a management and supervisory position reporting to the Director of Planning and Development Services.

The Planning Manager oversees the City’s Comprehensive Plan and all related land use ordinances; along with supervising the processing of applications for residential, industrial and commercial developments. The position requires collaboration and cooperative working relationships with elected and appointed officials, City Departments, developers, along with community members to achieve the current and future goals and objectives of the City. Works to foster positive relationships with community members, business owners and other stake holders to ensure inclusivity in the planning processes.

The Planning Manager will demonstrate advanced principles, methods, techniques and objectives of land use planning, zoning and development; and have knowledge and experience in research and data collection and presentation, governmental processes and have strong oral and written communication skills. This position interacts with the public to answer questions, resolve conflict and provide alternate resources and/or resolution.

Working with the Director, the Planning manager will participate in budget preparation and administration, and be responsible for monitoring and controlling expenditures, anticipating the training needs, equipment requirements and future expenditures.

The Planning Manger will supervise the Planning division, assigned interns and supervise the functions of The Planning and Zoning Commission, while ensuring adherence and compliance with local, state and federal laws.

The job requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, with a Master’s Degree preferred, supervisory experience and five years’ experience in planning, urban studies, public administration or related field. AICP is preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews and processes development applications and site plans for residential, subdivision, industrial and commercial developments; and land use requests. Performs technical review of site plans, plats, maps, civil engineering plans and provides written and oral reports based on research.
• Manages complex planning studies, monitors and ensures compliance with all local, state and federal laws governing land use, planning, zoning and related issues. Confers with City legal department on recommended changes and updates.
• Works independently to conduct research, site visit and prepare reports.
• Manages the systematic progression and advancement of the City by implementing the Comprehensive Plan; and other applicable ordinances including but not limited to: sign, zoning, subdivision, boarding house, wireless communication facility. Works with Director of Planning and Development and other team members to prepare updates and revisions of the Comprehensive Plan as necessary, taking into consideration factors such as land use, transportation and environmental impact.
• Manages planning projects from conception to completion, including budgeting, resource allocation and timeline adherence.
• Manages the operations, and employees of the division. Trains, coordinates and manages the Planning and Zoning Commission. Determines the need for training for staff, provides feedback and coaching. Monitors the progress and quality of project work performed by staff to ensure consistency with Department standards ensuring completion of assignments prior to regulatory deadlines with within established time frames, and according to local, state federal regulations.
• Participates in the budget preparations. Implements and monitors approved budget. Submits budget reports and analysis to the, Director of Planning and Development and advisory boards as requested. Develops, recommends and implements improvements. Works with Grant Manager to identify and secure alternate resources for projects and community development.
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, planning and zoning boards and commissions, and elected officials. Serves as a main point of contact for the division. Attends Council, work study and other meetings outside of normal business hours as needed. Collaborates with industry stakeholders including but not limited to, builders and developers, architects, engineers, and relators.
• This position resolves conflict and provides alternate resources or resolution to groups and members of the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s Degree in land use planning urban studies, public administration, or a related field is required OR five (5) years of related full-time work or military experience (Eight (8) years of part-time), related degree
• Idaho Driver’s License is required
• Supervisory experience in leading and mentoring teams
• Master’s degree in land use planning urban studies, public administration, or related field preferred
• Five (5) years of land use planning preferred
• American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) Certification preferred
• Working Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and GIS highly preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles, methods, techniques, and objectives of land use planning, zoning, and development;
• One or more planning disciplines, such as urban design, affordable housing, economic development, land use, or long-range planning;
• City Comprehensive Plan; development, planning, and zoning ordinances; and all other applicable and relevant ordinances, regulations, and codes;
• Department policies and procedures;
• City, state, and other applicable codes, statutes, and regulations on public hearings for land use, planning, and zoning issues;
• General geography, layout, and topography of the City;
• Operation of basic office equipment and a personal computer and job-related software applications.

Skill and Ability to:

• Supervise and manage the operations, of the Planning and Division, Planning and Zoning Commission, and assigned interns and work study.
• Review and process complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning, annexations, site plans, plats and other land use processes;
• Assist with and contribute to the creation and maintenance of the Planning Division Budget; to include training, equipment, future projections;
• Work with professional consultants on projects such as area plan code updates, and master plans;
• Develop project budgets, administer bidding process, verify contract expenditures and compliance;
• Conduct research and prepare statistical reports on land use, physical, social & economic issues;
• Provide professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects;
• Develop transportation plans, studies and analyses;
• Work in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, and others;
• Perform field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans;
• Schedule and conduct meetings with advisory boards and elected officials;
• Present and present reports and other findings to staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Council and serves as liaison to such committees;
• Maintain records, documents, and logs and prepare periodic reports;
• Demonstrate strong customer service principles including issue resolution;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds with assistance. At times the employee may respond into the field. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Description

The City of Pocatello with a population of 54,000 sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with an abundance of outdoor recreation. 

The area, which has a semi-arid climate, will allow you to enjoy the activities that all four seasons have to offer, whether locally or within a short drive to other popular destinations such as Sun Valley, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Teton National Park, and Park City, Utah.

The City provides a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a health reimbursement account, employee assistance program, a health advocacy program, group life insurance, paid time off, tuition assistance, a deferred compensation plan, a 401K plan, and an award-winning employee wellness program. The City of Pocatello is a member of the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho.

All new hires are subject to criminal background screening prior to hire. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees: 

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer