City Planner

Under the general direction of the Director of Planning and Economic Development, the City Planner position is a public facing position that works directly with residents and developers and provides support for zoning administration and development programs of the City of Monona.  The role will also serve as staff lead to the Landmarks Commission and Sustainability Committee, with significant involvement with the City’s Plan Commission.   

1. Serves as the initial contact for the Planning Department with responses to citizen and developer requests and inquiries. Coordinates communication and messaging, including general zoning questions, application requirements and future development opportunities. 
2. Serves as staff lead to the Landmarks Commission and Sustainability Committee, providing staff support. Provides professional planning assistance to other committees and commissions as assigned, such as Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and others. Provides support to City Council as needed. 
3. Assists with staff reports for Plan Commission meetings. This includes review of development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations. Attends and presents to the Commission as required.
4. Prepares agendas, public hearing notices, meeting minutes, and other related information for the City Landmarks Commission, Plan Commission, Sustainability Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals. 
5. Serves as staff lead for administration of sign permits.
6. Supports the department with possible Ordinance revisions. Researches best practice and model language, and prepares draft materials for consideration. 
7. Provides assistance with building permit applications, checking for zoning compliance and coordinating with applicants to confirm complete applications are submitted. 
8. Supports the implementation and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and upcoming update.
9. Represents the City by conducting site visits to review compliance with approved City permits.
10. Coordinates targeted outreach at community events, along with resident and business education and outreach, policy research, maintenance of department webpages, and generation of articles for the City newsletter.
11. Produces sustainability reporting and annual metrics for the City. This includes data for the City’s Sustainability Dashboard, and the Green Tier Legacy Communities annual report and scorecard.
12. Monitors county, state, and federal grant availability and eligibility criteria and investigates funding opportunities as related to landmarks and sustainability activities and programs.  Prepares and submits applications for funding as appropriate. 
13. May serve as the Acting Director of Planning and Economic Development in his/her absence.
14. Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field and 3-5 years of professional planning experience (may include internship experience) is required.  Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field can substitute for 2 years of experience and is preferred.
• Must possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
• GIS and graphic design experience is preferred.

1. Ability to work productively with indirect supervision.
2. Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.
3. Clear and concise writing skills.
4. Strong communication and organizational skills.
5. Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public, consultants, and City officials.
6. Knowledge of model zoning codes and ordinances, and general knowledge of municipal operations.
7. Working knowledge of transportation, housing, environmental impact, zoning and land use planning theories, techniques and statistical analysis.
8. Ability to review plans and apply Ordinances and Conditions of Approval to verify compliance.
9. Must be able to work typical office hours, Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, with some late afternoon/evening meetings (as needed). 
10. Ability to use and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer.

• Ability to sustain repetitive physical activity (e.g., computer key entry) and prolonged mental activity
• Ability to convey information effectively both on the phone and in person
• Ability to understand the speech of another person
• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) and at far range (in order to determine compliance with permit requirements.