Lead Planner

Position Summary

Target Hiring Range: $75,556.11 - $83,951.24 Under general supervision, this advanced level planner position performs professional level work in the field of current planning, advanced planning and analysis. This position is distinguished from the Senior Planner position in that it is a higher-level position that performs more complex technical, investigative, and project management skills requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill. This position is responsible for coordinating and processing more complicated planning and zoning proposals from application to final approval, and affords guidance to other positions performing the same tasks. Additionally, this position leads development review meetings and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

This lead position may also: assign work and coach employees with specialized instructions and practices for job accomplishments; contribute to other employees' performance evaluations, assist with the hiring process by interviewing and making recommendations and providing input to supervisory staff; supervise volunteers and interns; and serve as the Planning Department representative in the absence of the Planning Manager.

Essential Job Functions Processes more complicated planning and zoning cases by reviewing development proposals from application to final approval, and affords guidance to other positions performing the same tasks. Ensures applicant's submission meets requirements; coordinates development proposals; reviews development proposals with other departments; prepares technical comments and compiles zoning history information for each case; ensures additional or revised information is provided by applicant; determines if special exceptions or variances to development standards are required; prepares graphics for each case; prepares memos, reports and details for final Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council packet distribution. Prepares and reviews legal notifications prior to mailing and newspaper submission. Prepares clear and legally correct resolutions and ordinances; researches property ownership; and participates in comprehensive planning activities and other special studies and projects.

Confers with citizens, architects, engineers, developers, builders, etc. on general zoning and submission regulations and policies; researches history and background on zoning ordinances and various projects for other city departments and the general public. Processes general planning and zoning information requests over the telephone, via email, and walk-in traffic.

Reviews site development plans for compliance with zoning standards and with conditions established by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council related to pending and approved site plans; maintains zoning and site plan files; recommends and processes revisions to the subdivision and zoning ordinances.

Coordinates projects and leads assignments for a specific area of focus including but not limited to implementing long range planning initiatives, department strategic initiatives, census related work, and GIS.

Makes recommendations related to improving departmental processes and project tracking systems; provides direction related to maintenance and organization of zoning and planning records; and assists with enforcement of city codes for compliance.

Education and Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Urban Planning. Master's Degree in Urban Planning is preferred.

Minimum Five Years Of Related Work Experience Is Required. Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification and training will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Thorough knowledge of principles, concepts and theories of urban planning; knowledge of both short and long range planning; ability to analyze complex data; skills in the operation of computer, database programs and computer modeling techniques; knowledge of data collection, methodology, demographics and statistics.

Fluency in Microsoft Office products. Skill in the operation of mapping software, desktop publishing software, GIS and Adobe Suite software is highly desired.

Decisions regarding implementation of policies may be made. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

This position normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion.

Advanced work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization-wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.

Advanced ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents. Intermediate ability to deal with system of real numbers, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions and measurements. Advanced ability to write editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.

Special Requirements

Must be able to attend Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, Zoning Board of Adjustment and other required evening meetings. Mobility within an office and field environment.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid driver's license with good driving record and ability to maintain while employed.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is strongly recommended.

Work Environment

Works primarily in a climate controlled office environment. Physical demands consist of sedentary work and little physical effort working with light, easy to handle materials.

The City of Farmers Branch is proud to offer a competitive benefit package to all our full-time employees. Benefits begin on your first day.

Benefits Offered Include

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life Insurance

• Long Term Disability

• TMRS Pension

• Empower Retirement

• Vacation, Sick and Paid Holidays

• 4-Day Work-Week

• For most city positions. Ask your hiring manager for more information!

• Tuition Reimbursement

Please visit our Benefits page for more information: https://farmersbranch.attract.neogov.com/p/benefits. 01

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02

How many years experience do you have in Planning and Zoning, or closely related field?

• Less than 1 year
• Between 1-3 years
• Between 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

03

Do you possess the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you able to work a flexible schedule including early mornings or evenings, as needed?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid State of Texas Class C Drivers' license?

• Yes
• No

06

The city's driving standards state that you cannot have more than 3 traffic citations in the past 3 years or a DWI/DUI conviction in the past 7 years. Have you received more than 3 citations in the past 3 years?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a current City of Farmers Branch employee?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question