City Planner Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This classification will conduct duties related to specialized planning activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Follow and promote policies and procedures of the City of South Fulton.
• Inform and advise the Department Director on all department issues affecting the city.
• Provide advice, support, and information to other department heads, elected officials, and the public.
• Perform current planning, building, and site plan review duties as necessary.
• Meet with developers to review plans and plats for compliance with City’s Land Development Ordinance and zoning codes.
• Review and make recommendations for approval of preliminary and final plats.
• Research and prepare special projects as required including impact analysis studies, data compilation, and program organization.
• Assist in developing the City-wide Capital Improvement Program associated with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Coordinate meetings with other departments.
• Assist with preparation of planning and council meetings.
• Provide assistance and information to the public regarding ordinance interpretation, subdivision plats land-use issues, site plans, applications, procedures. documentation, aerial photographs, and other issues.
• Respond to routine questions and complaints.
• Research problems and initiate problem resolution.
• Prepare continuous updates to City maps.
• Prepare and resolve resolution forms, zoning certifications, and general correspondence.
• Prepare agenda items for the department on zoning, annexation, and variance related matters.
• Notify general public and adjoining property owners regarding rezoning and variances.
• Post signs in conspicuous locations on property as needed.
• Evaluate land use proposals to ensure compliance with applicable City, state, or federal laws. 
• Review business license applications for appropriate zoning district, use, and parking.
• Review residential and commercial building permits, sign permits, administrative, and fence permits.
• Review site plans for compliance with the conditions of zoning, building setback, and subdivision regulations for issuance of construction permits.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in local government planning.
• Perform special projects as assigned.
• Perform all other duties that are necessary for the day-to-day operations of the department.
• Travel will be required to manage and inspect operations within the city as well as attended regional meetings/training. Overnight travel is infrequent and limited to job training.
• Perform other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in public administration, architecture, planning, engineering, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in planning/zoning or permitting.
• Never been convicted of a felony related to wage or identity theft, cybercrime, forgery, embezzlement, or similar conviction.
• A citizen of the United States or has obtained legal work status.
• Must meet the city’s background requirements.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance and random testing as outlined in city policy and/or procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends in Community Development and Land Disturbance operations.
• Knowledge of methods, equipment, and procedures for scheduling meetings and special events.
• Knowledge of the permitting process.
• Knowledge of obtaining required bonds for various developments.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of city planning ordinances and development standards.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and site plans.
• Ability to use city software as intended.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct complex, multi-phase projects, and programs.
• Ability to perform a full range of general clerical, routine administrative, and programmatic work.
• Ability to prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Ability to proof documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, professionals, and the public.
• Ability to use standard city software as intended.
• Ability to prepare and post agendas in accordance with specified timeframes.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment (i.e. phones, fax, printers, computer, etc.).
• Ability to complete projects within designated timeframes.
• Ability to take accurate notes during meetings.
• Ability to retrieve documents from filing system.
• Ability to prepare and review financial documents.
• Ability to prepare and review contracts.
• Ability to plan and conduct effective and informative public meetings.
• Ability to maintain and retrieve documents and records.
• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups with varying educational, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
• Ability to promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to recognize and resolve organizational conflict.
• Ability to work routinely under highly stressful conditions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to remain impartial.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to follow the chain of command.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to clearly speak and/or converse in order to exchange information in a manner that can be professionally understood by others which includes giving assignments and/or directions to assigned staff, coworkers, or supervisors.
• Ability to pass drug testing as noted in policy.
• Ability to meet all physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to sit for an extended period while working in an office environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends to accommodate City needs.
• Ability to have Regular, predictable, consistent, and timely attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Ability to maintain a neat and clean appearance.
• Ability to maintain a neat and orderly workspace.
• Ability to wear protective equipment.
• Ability to refrain from using all tobacco products while on-duty.
• Skill in presenting clearly, cogently, and credibly in meetings.
• Skill in understanding and following oral and/or written instructions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relations and resolving conflicts with tact and diplomacy.

Physical Requirements:

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as medium work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in writing and verbally. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, and use the computer keyboard and mouse. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and physically place signs on properties. Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds for distances greater than fifty (50’) feet. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Able to hear in-person; as well as, distinguish radio and telephone conversations, recognize differences or changes in sound patterns and loudness or pitch.