Urban Planner jobs in Gulfport, MS

Department: 611 - Planning

EEO Class: Professional FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview

The Planner III performs varied and complex professional urban planning and responsible administrative work in conducting major activities, special programs or programs of the Planning Division of the Department of Urban Development. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Division Administrator and independent judgment is exercised in the formulation of reports, plans, studies and recommendations on a variety of urban planning issues and methodologies employed. Supervision is exercised over all subordinate professional, technical and clerical personnel in the preparation and revision of Master Comprehensive Plan elements, special projects and related planning work.

Essential Job Functions

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, May include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops and prepares major reports, policies and projects for assigned area of those involving other departments, commissions or boards and private developers.

• Directs the city's comprehensive planning program in the preparation and updating of plans necessary for the formulation of elements of the Master Comprehensive Plan, the implementation tools of those plans and other basic and applied planning studies concerning the physical development of urban areas.

• Assists in directing the development and application of new methods of research design and analysis.

• Responds to public inquiries, both orally and in writing, regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances.

• Provide guidance to Planner I and II.

• Oversees population, socio-economic, housing, land use and transportation data collection and analysis and prepares estimates and projections.

• Conducts field inspections.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must posses required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques and design of urban planning including the understanding of the fundamentals of construction.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the literature and sources of information available concerning planning matters and of the techniques and procedures useful to analyze and report on such subjects.

• Thorough knowledge of the general principles and practices of transportation as applied to urban planning and development.

• Ability to analyze and comprehend rapidly the significant aspects and precedents inherent in planning and development problems and to present reports and recommendations in a clear, concise and persuasive manner in oral, written and graphic form including the ability to explain the principles of planning in simple, non-technical language.

• Is able to demonstrate consistent tact and courtesy in frequent public contact.

• Ability to interpret and apply technical code regulations.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concise, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to make recommendations recognizing established precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems for which there has been no precedent established and which may involve contentious circumstances and valuable property rights.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationship with city officials, architects, developers and contractors, other agencies and the general public.

• Is able to exercise sound judgment in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisor and other departments.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Economics , Geography, and/or closely related field, plus six (6) to eight (8) years experience in zoning and planning, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. A Master's degree in urban planning preferred. Experience in professional planning and/or design work is preferred. Other combinations of experience and education which meets the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Required Licenses or Certificates

Must possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 20 pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are both indoors and outdoors.