Comprehensive Planner II
The City of Westminster is seeking a Comprehensive Planner II for the Department of Community Planning and Development. This position is responsible for assisting in the formulation and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Water and Sewer Allocation Policy; assisting in oversight of the day-to-day operations of the City’s allocation system and plans review process; providing staff support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning & Zoning Commission, Historic District Commission, and Tree Commission; monitoring indicators that provide objective measures of growth and development; conducting research and preparing written reports; making public presentations; and working with senior staff to formulate new policy. Requires a Bachelor’s degree in municipal planning or related field and five years of related experience in a governmental setting or Master’s degree in urban, regional, or community planning and three years of related experience in a governmental setting, or equivalent combination of education, training and related experience. Minimum salary for the position is $60,175. Consideration of higher salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Hiring range for this full time, exempt status position is $60,175 - $65,430. Excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance and pension plan. Resume must be submitted with application.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Coordinates the City and County reviews of development proposals, including subdivisions and site plans; and assists in plans review using City’s zoning code, sign code, landscape manual and design guidelines.
- Assists in contracting for professional services and management of City consulting firms for various services.
- Coordinates with City Finance Department on the Capital Improvements Plan and other financial matters.
- Conducts studies and assists in the preparation of plans, reports, recommendations, and correspondence on planning, zoning, development proposals, economic development, zoning amendment petitions, annexation petitions, demographic matters, and environmental issues.
- Participates in the drafting and review of amendments to the City’s Zoning Code.
- Designs and coordinates planning processes for small areas of the City such as neighborhood plans.
- Prepares maps and graphics as required.
- Pursues grant funding and planning related applications and administers grant projects in support of the Department’s goals and objectives.
- Manages and maintains computerized development data bases and the development tracking systems.
- Prepares departmental reports and recommendations for consideration by the City’s elected and appointed Boards and Commissions, as directed.
- Provides technical assistance related to land development procedures, zoning and City Code requirements, economic development, demographic data, and other information, as directed.
- Keeps supervisor informed of all relevant issues and makes appropriate recommendations.
- Keeps informed on professional planning practices by participating in workshops, educational programs, and other professional development opportunities.
- Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with City staff and the public.
- Works in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in municipal planning or a closely related field;
- Five (5) years of related experience in a governmental setting; or
- Master’s Degree in urban, regional, municipal or community planning;
- Three (3) years of related experience in a governmental setting; or
- Equivalent combination of education, training and related experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
- Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Maryland State Law related to municipal planning and the City’s policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of professional planning principles and practices, zoning implementation, demographics, public administration, historic preservation, architecture, and Geographic Information Systems.
- Knowledge of design guidelines, sign codes, landscape manuals and their application to specific projects.
- Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing, including public presentations and written reports.
- Ability to professionally and effectively represent the City in public and at meetings, including meetings scheduled after hours in the evenings and/or weekends.
- Ability to perform basic project management with relative independence in a collaborative team setting.
- Ability to read, analyze, and accurately interpret plans, surveys, and proposal information.
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and especially the public.
- Ability to successfully communicate with other staff members and members of the public, including preparing for and making public presentations.
- Ability to work as a member of professional team.
- Ability to respond properly in emergency situations and complete assignments under pressure.
- Ability to keep relevant parties informed of major issues and recommend changes as appropriate.
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.
- Knowledge of the City’s policies and procedures.
- Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, reaching, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire and building safety regulations, and observance of traffic signals when driving.