Planner

Germantown, TN, United States

Salary : $53,015.04 - $62,371.09 Annually

Location : Germantown, TN

Job Type: Full Time

Department: Economic & Community Development

Division: Planning

Opening Date: 06/26/2024

The City of Germantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an alcohol/drug-free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

City of Germantown public servants exist, first and foremost, to protect and enhance the quality of life of those we serve; every position on the Germantown team has a shared responsibility and accountability to fulfill this purpose. Through the constant alignment of individual actions, behaviors and performance with our organization's values system, Germantown public servants demonstrate a steadfast commitment to our greater mission of Excellence. Every day. The expectation for senior leaders is to model The Germantown Way at all times for those they influence and interact with daily.

Description

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Under general supervision, perform full range of professional planning work involving research, analysis and technical assistance on development projects. Responsibilities may vary by assignment to include project management, land-use application review, staff support to various boards, commissions and committees, data research, analysis, and evaluation, and presentation of written and/oral reports. May be assigned to one of more planning specializations, such as smart growth, economic development, long-range planning, land use, and neighborhood preservation and revitalization.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Inspects applications for completeness and accepts plan submittals.

Manages the processing of applications; routes plans and support documents to appropriate staff; answers questions regarding applications and related processes; compiles fee totals on completed applications; extracts and compiles key paperwork pertinent applications.

Maintains accurate records and logs concerning applications received and cases processed.

Enters and/or updates pertinent information in computerized database systems.

Review applications for rezoning, subdivision, signage, variances and other property related issues. Check plans for accuracy, completeness and compliance with city codes and the overall visual character of the City.

Serve as project manager, overseeing and monitoring planning projects through all phases from application filing date to the construction completion date including evaluating plans, drafting contracts, collection of fees and coordinating with all stakeholders.

Reviews final plats and administrative plats for conformance with minimum subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances for City of Germantown.

Prepares public hearing notices, sends notices to newspaper for publishing and facilitates property posting requirements.

Provides staff support to a Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Commission and other meetings; attend meetings, prepare and post agendas, minutes, memorandums and staff reports, and make presentation on routine development matters as required.

Facilitates and manages the Board/Commission meetings by ensuring they are recorded/videoed and security is present.

Collects and compiles a variety of data and information from different sources relative to planning assignment, and establish and maintain a comprehensive database of information relating to assigned functional area.

Analyzes physical, social and economic aspects of the city. Based on analysis, assist in identifying goals for projects, long-term plans or economic initiatives and develop strategies by which these goals can be reached.

Integrates research and help synthesize results by writing report sections and utilizing GIS and visual technologies to prepare maps, charts and other graphics for presentations.

Performs customer service activities within the office, including assisting walk-in customers and answering customer phone calls, evaluating permit applications, locating maps and ordinances for citizens and developers and responding to technical and policy questions related to land use application, development review process, and zoning information

Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding ordinances, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements. Advise developers on corrections needed and recommend alternatives to facilitate plan approval, as related to adopted city ordinances and policies

Makes presentations and represent the City to businesses, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations, promoting City's resources and interest in the City's development/redevelopment plans.

Performs field duties including site inspections, taking surveys, talking with citizens and business owners and observing physical situations.

Confers with planners, engineers, developers, architects, outside agencies and other city staff to acquire information and coordinate planning issues to ensure development projects are in compliance with City ordinances, development standards of various departments, and policy direction of the Planning Commission.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management and staff, and the general public.

Coordinates collection of census data as required.

Assists in preparing comprehensive plan updates, changes to City ordinances, and other plan updates when needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS : Perform related tasks as required.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of and ability to learn about the municipal government organizational structure, chain of command and situational awareness in dealing with other city staff, developers and city officials

Impeccable customer service skills

Excellent organizational skills, follow through and ability to perform a variety of tasks ranging from simple to complex in a small team environment

Initiative to identify tasks needed, next steps and work independently

Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal and urban planning.

Knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures.

Knowledge of federal, state, and city laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards pertaining to municipal planning and development.

General knowledge of technologies and software required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and graphics.

Skill in communicating in writing and/or in person on a one-on-one basis and before groups to a wide variety of audiences for the purpose of influencing, motivating and convincing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.

Ability to work independently and to plan and organize projects.

Ability to coordinate efforts of other personnel in the collection and analysis of data.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Physical ability to perform essential job duties.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, public administration or related field, and two years of urban planning experience, or any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job functions. Experience working with databases and GIS strongly desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Majority of work takes place in an office environment. Some outside work is required to perform site inspections. Work is not considered inherently dangerous but care must be taken when inspecting project sites. Work requires some exertion such as climbing, walking over rough surfaces and loose materials. Traveling is often required to attend meetings and conferences and to perform site visits. Evening hours required to attend meetings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Driver's License. AICP, CNU-A preferred.

Information about employee benefits can be found on our website at: