At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city.  As members of Team Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym, SERVE (Stewardship Engaged Respectful Visionary Excellence). 

Summary of Duties: Under general supervision, the Planner, Senior is responsible for developing and conducting projects relating to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community. Depending on division assignment, the focus of an individual planner may include the review of development and zoning requests, demographics, long range planning, neighborhood planning, downtown planning and/or various heritage preservation activities. 

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the advanced-level classification in the Planner series. The incumbent plans detailed methods to attain desired objectives working within established policy. Methods require use of initiatives and resourcefulness in developing and improving processes and procedures. Works under indirect supervision, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters. This class is distinguished from Planner in that it is a higher-level class in the series that performs more complex technical, investigative, and supervisory duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides general customer services; responds to concerns and inquiries.
• Drafts various reports; maintains department and project files and documents.
• Assists other team members within the division and department as needed.
• Attends department, public, boards and commissions, and City Council meetings.
• Supervises volunteers and interns.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
• Analyzes and evaluates zoning and development proposals in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances, policies, and design guidelines and makes recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council; coordinates with other affected departments, divisions, and outside organizations such as school districts.
• Prepares reports, meeting agendas, graphics, and associated studies and documentation for preparation and distribution to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Processes zoning and development applications in accordance with established procedures for public notification and coordinates action by the appropriate staff entity or public body.
• Works directly with applicants and their representatives before, during, and after the review process for zoning and development requests to inform them of the procedural requirements, address issues related to their applications, apprise them of staff recommendations, and provides documentation of actions performed by staff, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council.
• Identifies, as needed, amendments to relevant codes, ordinances, procedures, policies, and guidelines for the purpose of improving the development review process and meeting community objectives.
• Oversees special team projects both within and between departments; manages and participates in the preparation of special reports and studies; provides opportunities for public involvement.
• Makes presentations on zoning and development proposals before the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: The incumbent prepares the final draft of reports, studies, plans, and other team assignments. The incumbent makes recommendations to the department or division head on team assignments. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of planning, historic preservation, or neighborhood engagement; Federal and State law; municipal government organization and functions; and legal terminology related to development documents.

Skill in: Communicating clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings; preparing a wide range of written materials that communicate effectively to various audiences; operating a computer, standard software, and some specialized software; reading and interpreting maps, plats, and demographic data; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Community Development, Historic Preservation, Architecture, or related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of experience in urban planning, neighborhood engagement, or heritage preservation.  Membership in AICP preferred.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law).

Conditions of Employment:   Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field including traversing uneven terrain. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees may be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field; when in the field incumbents may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, and mechanical and/or electrical hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer - EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.