Planner II

Performs both current planning and long range planning projects in the Department, with a focus on reviewing land use applications, reviewing development permits, and working on special projects to implement long range planning objectives.  Work varies, requiring individual judgement in variation from standards and procedures.   Work is performed under general supervision of the Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development, with more specific tasks assigned by the Planner III position.

• Participates in the Department’s long range planning efforts by updating adopted comprehensive planning documents as well as tracking implementation of their recommended planning objectives.
• Works with planning staff to create new comprehensive planning projects to respond to development trends and other community development priorities.
• May be assigned to work in collaboration with the Senior Transportation Planner to staff the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

• Provides zoning information to the public, property owners, and development interests.

• Reviews site plans for development, proposed subdivision plats, and home occupation requests; issues zoning permits; and inspects projects under construction for zoning compliance.

• Prepares staff reports on development projects for presentation to the Planning Advisory Board, City Commission, Board of Adjustment, Local/State/Federal agencies, special interest groups, civic groups, general public, etc.

• Gathers and analyzes planning-related data for projects as assigned.
• Prepares maps, charts, graphs, other illustrative material related to long range planning projects.

• Graduation from a four year college or university with major course work in planning, civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• Five years of planning or related experience.
• A Master’s degree may substitute for experience.
• Mainframe and personal computer experience (Microsoft Office Suite software).
• GIS knowledge

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license is required.

• Work is conducted in a fast-paced office environment.  Incumbent must be able to work in a team environment and collaborate with other planners to achieve desired outcomes.
• Because of financial investments that are being made in the development process, it is important that zoning information be conveyed accurately and in a timely fashion.  Attention to detail is critical.
• Expectations of work performance differ from those of the Planner I position in that incumbents are expected to conduct more complicated planning work with less supervision.
• Incumbent must have excellent oral and written communication skills and possess the ability to clearly communicate planning concepts in both technical and non-technical terms in meetings with applicants as well as in more formal presentations to boards and commissions.
• Because some projects may be long-range in nature, must be able to work independently and make meaningful progress on initiatives with longer-term deadlines while staying abreast of more immediate responsibilities.
• Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with City activities and policies.
• Ability to operate, or quickly learn to operate, a personal computer or other devices using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks

 CORE COMPETENCIES 

• Ethical Conduct
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration Skills
• Technical Skills
• Oral and Written Communication Proficiency

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform light physical work and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a personal computer, office equipment and a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.  

 EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK 

The work schedule is a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday.   This position is exempt and not eligible for overtime. Normal work hours are Monday through Friday. 

 TRAVEL 

Travel is primarily local during the business day.  Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.