Planners II and III

Planners II and III

Hours: Full-Time

Service Area: Urban Planning                                   

Reports to: Deputy Southeast Officer Director and Principals in support of City of Atlanta staff        

Supervises: Not Applicable                                                   

Location: Atlanta

The Collaborative, an award-winning consulting firm with a national reputation for excellence in planning, design, and communications, seeks urban planners to primarily provide municipal plan review services in support of a multi-year contract with the City of Atlanta. These individuals will work collaboratively on teams to assist in all aspects of the planning process. Individuals will work in a fast-paced environment, requiring self-starters with attention to detail and flexibility in prioritization.

In support of the City of Atlanta contract, individuals are 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 include but are not limited to: providing quality customer service; developing staff reports to ensure 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. We are looking for seasoned professionals capable of independently carrying out most assignments.

Evaluates and processes applications for Special Administrative Permits for completeness and accuracy, with a strong focus on urban design. Conducts the technical review of site plans and architectural elevations for compliance with city ordinances, policies, and plans.

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 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, Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) meetings and Atlanta Planning Advisory Board meetings. Prepares 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 among 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.

Founded in 1990, the firm’s planning group has successfully completed both public and private projects across the United States. To learn more about us, please visit www.thecollaborative.com

GIS and ability 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.

Oral communication and interpersonal relationships; ability 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.

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design, engineering, architecture, public administration, public policy or related field and 3-years minimum (Planner II) and 5-years minimum (Planner III) in municipal planning preferred (equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis); some supervisory experience desired.

Licenses and Certifications

The position is full time.

The Collaborative offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

The Collaborative does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. The firm will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Please apply online or send cover letter, resume and any pdf portfolio examples no more than 15mb to [email protected]. No phone calls please.