City Planner II

The City of Roanoke is seeking a City Planner II to contribute to a wide array of planning initiatives with an emphasis on current development activities and zoning ordinance administration, including reviewing site plans, advising the public and design professionals on plan preparation, managing rezoning and special exception applications, and zoning related research and verifications. The successful candidate will also provide comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, community development and housing planning, strategic planning, and basic master planning. Additional job responsibilities include but are not limited to working with citizens, Council appointed boards and commissions, neighborhood and civic organizations, governmental agencies, and other city departments; and organizing, directing and preparing technical planning reports and studies, including data collection and survey, mapping, graphics, public information materials, and proposed ordinance amendments. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in urban planning or related field; Master's in Urban Planning, Certified Zoning Administrator or American Institute of Certified Planner certification, preferred but not required; three to five years related experience and/or training in an urban community; or equivalent combination of education and experience; familiarity with urban design principles, development codes and historic preservation.

SUMMARY
Contributes to both short and long-range planning projects. Provides comprehensive neighborhood and community development  planning. Performs development plan reviews, and supports boards and commissions in preparing studies, reports, and code updates. Leads implementation of plans through projects and programs. Works with citizens, Council appointed boards and commissions, neighborhood and civic organizations, governmental agencies, and other city departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Organizes, directs and prepares complex technical planning reports and studies, including data collection and survey, mapping, graphics, public information materials, and proposed ordinance amendments

May develop various neighborhood plans and special topic plans through intensive citizen participation processes

Develops, coordinates and makes presentations of various neighborhood and community development planning projects and associated public participation processes

Coordinates and facilitates planning activities with other departments and staff, including City Council, Council - appointed boards, outside organizations, neighborhood associations, and citizens

Reviews development plans and other applications for compliance with the zoning ordinance and related development codes.

Advocates excellence in urban design through design review of projects and through documents and policies and administration of ordinances.

May work with applicants and manage zoning amendments and special exception applications  by evaluating requests and making and presenting recommendations to the applicable board or commission

Consult with building inspectors, code enforcement inspectors, and in development review enforcement matters

May serve as agent to the Architectural Review Board and manage caseload of applications for work performed in historic districts

Serves as professional staff to other boards and commissions as required

May be assigned to special projects as needed

May supervises and manage planning and development projects contracted to private consultants

Provides guidance and assistance to supporting personnel assigned to projects; monitors and reports on preparation of plans, implementation of plans, and tracking and reporting of development activity and trends

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
 

QUALIFICATIONS 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in urban planning or related field; Master's in Urban Planning, preferred but not required; three to five years related experience and/or training  in an urban community and familiarity with urban design principles and/or historic preservation; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 
Possession of a valid appropriate drivers license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

REASONING ABILITY 
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description.  A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.