Senior Planner

Job Summary: Reviews development and land use proposals including plats, site plans, variance applications, zoning & specific use permit requests, historic preservation reports, drilling permits, annexation requests, floodplain development permits, etc.; examines applications for compliance with established plans, ordinances and applicable local, State and/or Federal regulations; solicits input from appropriate staff, schedules hearings and actions, monitors applications through the approval process and enforces compliance with regulations; prepares reports and urban planning related data as required. Prepares and maintains Geographical Information System (GIS) databases and related maps. Prepares draft resolutions, ordinances and other related documents as required. Prepares and writes grant and award applications and assists in the administration of various grant and award programs. Other duties include: researching special issues and developing proposals, demographic reports, FAQ sheets, as well as assisting the Director of Community Development in the processing of zoning requests, subdivision plats, site plans, historic commission reports, and all other development related matters. This position operates with considerable independence, and is expected to exercise exceedingly high levels of good judgment, tact, and diplomacy. Additionally, a high level of computer literacy is required. The Senior Planner position plays a key role in the Community Development Department. The individual selected will be involved in, and have a great amount of responsibility for all aspects of planning including current and long-range planning, transportation planning, historic preservation, and GIS development. The Senior Planner will be a key point of contact with the development community and is responsible for establishing a positive tone in the administration of the City's development, historic and subdivision review processes. Typical Duties:Greet, direct, and provide information to visitors, answer and direct telephone calls with questions requiring knowledge of development-related policies and procedures, including complaints.Responsible for provide guidance and direction regarding the application of all development related codes and policies of the City administered by the Community Development Department.Assist in complaint or conflict resolution regarding the application of community Development policies and regulations.Responsible for final agenda reports to Boards and Commissions. Responsible for departmental correspondence regarding day-to-day business for the Community Development Department.Coordinates all planning and zoning reports and presentations, zoning board of adjustment reports and presentations, historic reports and presentations, and all other boards pertaining to Community Development.Conducts and directs day and evening meetings with Development Review Committee, boards, architects, engineers, developers, surveyors, contractors, other ad hoc committees and employees relating to development proposals and processes.Conducts review of building, drilling, seasonal sales, sign, and tree removal permits.Reviews building, landscape and development plans. Helps coordinate engineering plan review with appropriate reviewing departments.Conducts property research through deed records and appraisal district records.Responsible for the maintenance of Community Development related data (zoning, platting, property information, etc.) to support the City's Geographical Information System (GIS).Provides back-up supervisory support to Community Development Director.Reviews development related contracts, agreements, proposals and applications.Maintains the Department's website with updated information and forms.May perform other projects and handle special assignments as required. Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography or related field from an accredited college or university;A master's degree in urban planning from an accredited college or university is highly preferred. In lieu of a master's degree, additional experience in current and long-range municipal planning may be substituted.Additionally, at least Five (5) years of progressive experience in both current and long-range municipal planning is required.Specialized knowledge or experience in at least one other discipline i.e., current planning, urban design, comprehensive long-range planning, architecture, GIS, or historic preservation is highly desired.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification with considerable experience in the administration of current and comprehensive urban planning activities and historic preservation proposals is desired.Possess a valid, Texas driver's license;Have the ability to communicate (read, write & speak) effectively in the English language;Have the ability to work with minimal direction and supervision;Have the ability to understand and interpret complex Federal, State and local rules and regulations;Have the ability to associate effectively and efficiently with supervisors, co-workers and the general public;Have the ability to comprehend and apply information derived from maps, tables and development related plans;Be courteous and professional when dealing with the public, and be able to handle upset and irate citizens;Be flexible to work scheduled evening/late night meetings;Must be able to work in a fast paced environment and be detail oriented;Must be able to complete projects in a timely manner with minimal edits;Must have exceptional customer service skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills;Be able to successfully complete a six (6) month probationary period. Work Environment: Majority of work is performed indoors in a controlled environment. Work may require sitting for extended periods of time at a desk and/or computer workstation. Some work may be subject to time pressures and frequent changes in tasks. Work may require the performance of multiple tasks simultaneously. Work may at times be tedious, exacting, or repetitious. Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to stand, bend, squat, kneel, push, pull, and stoop while opening file drawers to place or retrieve files from filing cabinets. Hearing and vision must be satisfactory to the degree that duties may be performed effectively and safely. Employee must be able to lift up to 15 pounds (i.e. computer paper, mail deliveries and supplies). NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and physical demands required. Miscellaneous Information The City of Granbury offers a competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience. The city participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at a 8% employee deposit rate with a city matching ratio of 2:1. The city pays 100% of the employee's medical insurance and term life insurance. Full-time employees receive 40 hours of vacation at 6 months, then accrue each pay period based on the number of years employed up to 160 hours. 48 hours of Sick leave at 6 months, then accrue 3.70 hours each pay period. Full-time employees are eligible for 14 paid holidays. A full range of insurance benefits is also provided to full time employees. The city also provides a 9/80 work schedule where employees have every other Friday off.