Merchandise Planner, Sr. jobs in Surprise, AZ

1. Manages extremely complex planning and development projects that include management of formal and informal project teams.  Assembles team, defines scope and schedule for review, sets performance objectives, makes assignments, monitors progress, reviews the work of an interdisciplinary team, resolves issues and conflicts, reports findings and recommendations, documents, approvals, and is accountable for project process and the end product.
2. Reviews very complex requests for rezoning, use permits and variances, and prepares staff recommendations and stipulations of approval.
3. Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, neighborhood groups and City Council.
4. Develops major components of the City's General Plan, General Plan amendments, and specific area plans to achieve Council goals.
5. Reviews preliminary and final plats, design plans and construction plans, and conducts final site inspection for approval on major residential, commercial and industrial development projects.
6. Conducts highly technical research and analysis, evaluates findings, identifies significant issues, determines options, and develops staff recommendations on difficult and complex projects.
7. Meets with property owners, developers, attorneys and other design professionals to discuss and resolve planning and development issues, and exercises considerable discretion in problem solving, decision-making and negotiating agreements.
8. Provides technical support, information, and guidance to property owners, developers, other staff members, other City departments, elected and appointed officials and other jurisdictions on adopted ordinances, policies, plans and procedures.
9. Conducts public meetings with neighborhood groups and special interest groups.
10. Formulates goals, objectives and policy statements for adoption by City Council.
11. Drafts complex development guidelines, zoning ordinance amendments and related implementation strategies, and assists with ordinance interpretation.
12. Provides guidance and serves as a technical resource to other planning staff.
13. Prepares special planning studies and planning policy research and analysis for the management team, appointed committees, Boards and Commissions, and the City Council.
14. Represents the City on Intergovernmental Committees on regional planning and development policy matters and technical issues.
15. Represents the department on City task forces and interdepartmental teams on specific projects or issues.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:    

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Geography, Landscape Architecture or a related field and five years experience in planning, project review or a related community development activity.   

A Masters Degree in Urban Planning or a related field is preferable.

Knowledge of:
The principles, practices and methods used in urban planning and available implementation techniques
Data gathering and research methods, data review, reporting and presentation
Development issues and concerns, neighborhoods, public participation techniques, and the development process
City policies and procedures related to land use and development
Urban design and site design principle and the related fields of Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Project management and organization principles
Land use law, zoning and subdivision regulations. and five years experience in planning, project review or a related community development activity

Ability to:
Apply planning principles to work assignments, implement City ordinances and policies, review site plans and architectural elevations, and analyze potential impact of development proposals
Conduct research, compile data, analyze findings, identify key issues and prepare professional recommendations
Plan, organize, and manage the activities of project teams, and multiple projects to completion
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, citizens, business owners, city officials, upper management, Attorneys, and other design professionals and developers
Identify, facilitate and resolve project issues and problems
Exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment, and function in a non-supervisory leadership role
Provide quality customer service

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:

Valid Arizona drivers license.