POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Planner provides advanced professional planning knowledge and experience often leading other staff in larger, more complex planning assignments. They are 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 Planners and/or Planning Technicians.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Includes the following as well as other duties as assigned.
- Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments.
- Manages planning studies, development applications and reviews proposals.
- Reviews and processes rezoning and variance applications, site plans, subdivision plats.
- Conducts research and prepares reports on land use, physical, social & 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.
- Supervises more junior planning staff within organization.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a Master’s degree and a minimum 4 years of experience in Planning or Zoning work.
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Planning or related field preferred.
- Supervisory experience of a minimum of 2 years mentoring and managing professional staff required.
- Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
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 ARC GIS.
- 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.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Georgia Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Job duties are performed primarily in an office environment. However, 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.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
Cherokee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS SPECIFICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION IN ORDER TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE OTHERWISE QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE JOB.