Capacity Planner jobs in Savannah, GA

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Director of Planning & Development, the City Planner performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work involving current and long-range planning, zoning and urban development activities related to the development and implementation of land use and related plans and policies. Work assignments are usually general in nature and afford a certain amount of latitude in the exercise of independent judgment in planning work details.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provides information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning regulations to the general public, professionals, developers, and other city personnel regarding complex zoning classifications and zoning administration functions.
• Assists city staff with enforcement of local ordinances and interpreting city codes and master plans.
• Represents Planning and Zoning Department in various administrative and professional situations, prepares and provides professional recommendations to city management and boards.
• Manages special projects and reports within the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Undertakes planning projects from inception through completion.
• Prepares written and graphic reports using computerized word processing, desktop publishing, presentation, mapping, spreadsheet, database software, and other software devices.
• Prepares agenda packet materials and delivers presentations to City boards on planning and development matters.
• Assists in the evaluation of data affecting location and design of projects.
• Develops recommendations for implementation of the adopted Comprehensive Plan and assists in monitoring the status of such implementation measures and projects.
• Provides general plan and code interpretation as needed; provides analysis, recommendations and implementation of policies and procedures related to code enforcement, applications for subdivision, site plans, zoning changes, conditional use permits, etc.
• Performs technical tasks involving the interpretation and implementation of city ordinances, local, State and Federal laws.
• Assists in drafting, reviewing and recommending updates of city ordinances related to Planning and Zoning in accordance with local, State and Federal laws.
• Assists in design, promotion, and administration of city plans and policies affecting land use, zoning, building, public utilities, community facilities, housing, and transportation.
• Monitors and oversees plan review submittals for site plan approvals, subdivisions, zoning petitions, variances and conditional use requests.
• Attends all required meetings: Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, City Council meetings; with City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director, developers, engineers, FEMA, CEMA, and Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the city’s Comprehensive Plan update according to state regulations.
• Ensures review of all phases of subdivisions from sketch plans to final plat approvals and recording; interpreting maps and drawings.
• Assists with yearly documentation and tasks to maintain Community Rating Service status for Floodplain Management.
• Ensures zoning regulations are followed; referring to land use maps, zoning maps, PUD Master Plans, PUD Development Standards, subdivisions, recorded plats/deeds, etc.
• Attends professional workshops and conferences to maintain proficiency in planning and zoning interpretation and new economic development trends.
• Coordinates and manages planning consultant contracts, as assigned.
• Performs related duties as directed by the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and/or the Director of Planning & Development.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of Economic Development.
• Knowledge of relevant local, state and federal laws, standards, regulations and ordinances pertaining to this position.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs; also, government processes and services, funding sources, and economic research methods.
• Knowledge of city financial and budgeting procedures.
• Knowledge of plan review principles.
• Knowledge of building construction practices and terminology.
• Knowledge of FEMA flood plain regulations.
• Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, maps and aerial photographs.
• Skill in the completion of accurate and timely reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to review subdivision plans, site development plans and related drawings for compliance with applicable local regulations and ordinances.
• Ability to use independent judgement in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to research and analyze topics and to draw conclusions.
• Skilled in operation of modern office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically in both oral and written, with State and Federal Agencies, private businesses, elected officials, community volunteers, potential developers, city staff and the general public, including formal presentations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.        

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city codes and ordinances, the city comprehensive land use plan, the employee handbook, floodplain management principles, International Building Codes and US Census Bureau policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied administrative duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to administer the city’s planning and zoning functions.  Successful performance helps ensure compliance with city codes and ordinances.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, attorneys, engineers, architects, surveyors, developers, landscape architects, contractors, realtors, property owners, insurance agents, representatives of state and federal agencies, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is performed in an office and occasionally outdoors, intermittently in cold or inclement weather.  The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts.  Work may require the use of protective devices such as mask, goggles, gloves, etc.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban affairs, or related field with at least three (3) years’ experience in planning.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.
• Certification from the Association of State Floodplain Managers is desirable.
• Detailed and demonstrable knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques involved in city planning and zoning including, but not limited to, preparing and updating comprehensive plans, urban redevelopment programs, zoning ordinances and land development regulations; administering planning projects; and giving presentations on general planning and zoning matters.

The City of Pooler is a Drug-Free workplace.

The City of Pooler does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran/military status and other statuses protected by Federal or State laws.