Entry Level Forward Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY:

The position of Planner I, also known as Assistant Planner, is the entry-level position within professional planning. A bachelor's degree or a master's degree is usually required, depending on the hiring organization. It is distinguished from the Planning Technician position because it involves professional-level duties and judgment, and fewer routine administrative tasks. This position level receives considerable immediate supervision from senior planners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations
• Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies
• Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations
• Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues
• Oversees the work of consultants and interns
• Conducts field evaluations and assessments
• Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
• Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in fields of planning, zoning or development profession in a regulatory capacity or equivalent education, and/or experience.
• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in city planning, public administration, architecture, engineering or closely related field preferred but not required.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check: a valid Georgia Drivers’ License is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws, all safety policies, and all safety rules, and must be willing to report and/or act on safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.

Incumbent is expected to meet attendance standards as determined by management. Must be available and willing to work according to the assigned schedule.

This employee is regularly required to perform sedentary and light work and exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee is also required to balance, climb, finger objects, grasp, hear, make rational decisions, reach, use repetitive motion, speak, talk, visualize, and walk.         

ENTERPRISE CULTURE:

In support of our vision, our organizational culture works to maintain a safe and beautiful community and promote sustainable projects and activities.  This is done by attracting and retaining a talented and diverse group of individuals who encompass our shared values through exceptional teamwork and collaboration, innovative thinking, a commitment to professional development, and community stewardship.  What makes us unique is our harmonious work environment, forward-thinking, innovative, and non-restrictive approach toward successful service deliverables and outcomes. In turn, we offer a competitive and exceptional benefits package, flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, modern office design, green space, a brand new public safety building, Permits, Engineering & Planning (PEP) building, and a new state-of-the-art City Centre.

MORAL CHARACTER:

The employee must possess and continue to maintain throughout the role a commitment to the essential moral values that build character and instill positive and healthy interactions with others (Respect, honesty, compassion, education, not harming others, hard work, kindness, responsibility, courage, and gratitude). In addition to, the (5) five principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:      

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee regularly works in a normal office environment.
• The employee performs some duties outdoors while conducting official business which will require local travel.
• Willing to work overtime, weekends on call and holidays, and may be required to assist in special events.