JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
SENIOR PLANNER
Department: Planning and Zoning
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for providing advanced professional planning knowledge and experience often leading other staff in larger, more complex planning assignments. This position is responsible for preparing reports and presentations, coordinating with other county agencies or other local governments, review and approve development plans, providing customer service, and researching various planning related topics. Some functions are similar to those of the Planner; however, the Senior Planner will often lead as well as exercise greater independence and judgment. The Senior Planner receives general supervision from division management and may oversee the work of either or both a Planner or Planning Technician.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments.
- Reviews planning studies, and development applications / proposals.
- Reviews and processes rezoning and variance applications, site plans, subdivision plats.
- Conducts research and prepares reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
- Coordinates with other County agencies and other local governments to obtain necessary information, data and statistics for planning efforts.
- Provides professional planning assistance to property owners, development interests, general public on varied planning or land use projects.
- Develops plans, studies and analyses as directed by division management.
- Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
- Performs tasks to support ordinance revisions, such as developing improved graphics coordinating reference sections.
- Conducts field visits to study examples of specific planning issues. May utilize a combination of photos, written notes and sketches to document the conditions found in the field.
- Attends meetings with appointed boards and elected officials.
- Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Commissioners.
- Oversees the work of more junior planning staff within organization.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and Experience:
-Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Planning or related field preferred.
-Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a Master’s degree and a minimum three (3) years of experience in Planning or Zoning work. - Special Qualifications:
-Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred. Valid Georgia Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is required. - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as zoning, urban design, affordable housing, economic development or land use.
-Knowledge and experience in land development processes.
-Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
-Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, Internet applications, Adobe Creative Suite and ESRI GIS systems.
-Ability to read and interpret zoning text, surveys, maps and plats.
-Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents ranging from correspondence and policies and procedures to technical documents.
-Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
-Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers.
-Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems.
-Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
-Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Physical:
-Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.
-Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck.
-Fine finger dexterity.
-Light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment.
-Pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils.
-Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist.
-Moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials.
-Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height.
-Moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals.
-Lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.
-Verbally communicate to exchange information. - Vision:
-See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
-Vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment. - Hearing:
-Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities that would permit effective communication with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment. The ability to work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and in environments with high noise levels is needed when the incumbent is inspecting service requests or active projects, may be required.
E.O.E. Cherokee County is an equal opportunity employer. Cherokee County will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, uniformed service status, pregnancy, childbirth, or other legally protected category or classification.
For more information and to apply, please visit Human Resources | Cherokee County, Georgia (cherokeega.com)