Job Description
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
Knowledge: Requires professional level of knowledge in equivalent to that normally acquired through a Bachelor’s degree program. General principles of city and neighborhood planning including project development and management. Knowledge of public finance, economics, and sociology as applied to city planning. Applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations. Basic understanding of architectural/engineering plans, drawings, and specifications. Basic knowledge of Historic Preservation best practices. Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation, including spreadsheets. Principles and practices of city planning, zoning, and development process.
Skills: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, staff, contractors, as well as the public at-large. Communicating effectively both orally and in writing. Analytical abilities are required to integrate and interpret data from various sources, and to plan, develop, and implement reasonable strategies. Reading and interpreting zoning and plot maps. Interpreting City ordinances related to zoning, subdivision and signage. Ability to follow detailed directives as well as working and thinking independently. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with internal staff, citizens, and contractors, to ensure compliance with design specifications and zoning codes; responding to citizens’ questions regarding zoning concerns; and consulting with builders and developers in reviewing plans for development. Ability to handle stressful situations in a tactful and courteous manner.
Essential Functions: Responds to citizens’ inquiries regarding interpretation and assists in reviewing and implementation of codes, zoning and land use. Assists walk-in traffic and daily calls for information requests. Responsible for research, analysis, review, and reporting of matters relating to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community. Reviews of development and zoning requests, variance applications, and building permits with appropriate principles, regulations and policies, demographics, long range planning, neighborhood planning, downtown planning and/or various historic preservation activities. Prepares clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Organizes work, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction. Communicates clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Researches and provides information to the department and supervisor on various community development issues; studies, plans and monitors local development issues. Works with different commissions and committees including Planning Commission, City Council, Council Committees, Greenbelt Commission, Board of Adjustment and Historic District Commission. May represent the city at various meetings. Organizes and facilitates meetings with developers and community groups to introduce and discuss new development proposals and planning projects. Advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the public on the City’s Comprehensive Plan, development policies, procedures and standards and other land use matters. Evaluates land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances and compliance with applicable local, state or federal laws; evaluates proposals’ development impact as they related to the adopted plans for the City. Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and conditions. Performs other related work as required.
Mental and Physical Abilities: Ability to maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance. Mental/visual effort required due to sustained periods of concentration with constant breaks in concentration associated with answering phones or speaking in person to citizens or staff requiring assistance. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lb.) 5 - 10% of work time.
Working Conditions: Works in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. Night meetings required. Occasionally performs fieldwork outdoors.
Additional Information: Selected applicant must pass background investigation and drug screen.