CLASS TITLE:  Associate Planner

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

This position performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work related to the administration and enforcement of land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, related municipal plans and policies. Work involves preparation of highly detailed grant applications and administration of said grants, reports to the public and governmental bodies and an understanding of urban planning concepts.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

=        Performs a variety of routine and moderately complex administrative, technical and professional work related to the administration and enforcement of land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, related municipal plans and policies.

=        Assists in the preparation of planning studies, reports, programs and projects; responds to public inquiries on a broad range of topics related to planning, land use, zoning and development. Performs data research and analysis and prepares related staff reports.

=        Provides information on permitted land uses as per zoning regulations and prepares Zoning Compliance Certificates and Zoning Verification Letters.

=        Interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations; initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of such codes, ordinances and regulations; researches and drafts codes, ordinances and regulations.

=        Reviews, analyzes and evaluates development proposals including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, special use permits and rezoning for conformance with codes, plans and regulations; makes verbal presentations of cases at public meetings as requested.

=        Responsible for researching, writing and administrating grants for the City’s long range planning efforts.

=        Works with GIS software to integrate information to map city zoning, land use, land banking, lots, subdivisions, plats and other related items.

=        Answers telephones and gives information to callers, takes messages or transfers calls to appropriate individuals.

=        Will develop presentations and attend public meetings to assist the Director of Planning and Community Development.

=        Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers and phone systems and uses computer for spreadsheets, word processing, database management and other applications; learns to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

=        Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.

=        Reports to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Associate Planner reports directly to the Director of Planning and Community Development.

The Associate Planner does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban, regional, and/or city planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), public administration, government; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities as further set forth herein to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

=        Knowledge of principles of city planning.

=        Knowledge of and skill in determining appropriate research and analysis methodologies.

=        Ability to think logically.

=        Ability to work independently.

=        Ability to draw valid conclusions from research and analysis.

=        Ability to travel.

=        Skill in working efficiently and accurately with information.

=        Skill in managing planning functions for long range or current requirements.

=        Skill in verbal and written communication.

=        Skill in working with large quantities of data including spatial data.

=        Skill in assessing salient information through research, conferences and examinations. 

=        Skill in working projects through to completion within specified time frames.

=        Skill in relating to people from various socio-economic and professional backgrounds.

=        Skill in writing technical reports.

=        Skill in reading and interpreting technical, narrative and graphic displays.

=        Skill in recalling information.

=        Willingness to assume responsibility for work performed.

Departmental Preferences

=        Applicant should be a Certified CDBG Administrator or have the ability to become an Administrator within two (2) years of employment.

=        Experience in interpreting and applying complex federal, state and local grant regulations and principles.

=        An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or AICP Candidate designation.

=        Experience in project coordination and management in a related area.

=        Proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel and GIS Mapping to analyze large scale datasets from multiple sources.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case by case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a keyboard and telephone.  Frequent sitting and stooping; occasional walking, standing, climbing, twisting, handling, balancing and repetitive movements are required.  Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.  Vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.  Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Work in this classification is primarily indoors in an office environment.  Will travel to other city locations as required.

Notice:  This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a “safety sensitive” classification, the employee will be subject to drug and alcohol testing including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse the employee from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana. 

PAY RANGE:  $50,128/yr. - $72,634/yr. dependent on experience.  Excellent employee benefits (insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, retirement, holidays).

WORK HOURS:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

WORK LOCATION:  City of Muskogee Planning and Community Development Department, 229 West Okmulgee Avenue., Muskogee, Oklahoma.

RESUMES MAY BE SUBMITTED BUT WE REQUIRE OUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION  BE COMPLETED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION. We can also fax, email or mail one to you or you can pick one up from the City of Muskogee Human Resources Department at 505 Columbus Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Applications can be returned to the same address or by mail:  City of Muskogee, Human Resources Department, P. O. Box 1927, Muskogee, OK  74402-1927; by fax:  918-684-6223; or by email:  jkennedy@muskogeeonline.org.  If you should have any questions, please call the Human Resources Department at 918-684-6221 or inquire in person at the address above or fax or email (above).

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  There is no deadline for applications for this position – it will be open until filled.