planner, senior

JOB DE SCRIPTION PLANNER, SENIOR

(URBAN DESIGN)

PLANNING Human Resources Department

700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

Newport News, VA 23606

NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone:

CITY OF OPPORTUNITYFax:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position performs complex work in current planning and urban

design. This position serves as a lead worker. Reports to the Manager of Current Planning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs analysis and makes recommendations relative to departmental planning projects; reviews

all design and site plans to ensure conformance with published urban design, architectural or

landscape architecture requirements and guidelines. Assists in the review of architectural plans for

public projects. Interacts with the public and others outside the work unit to obtain and provide

information and assistance in a variety of circumstances. Prepares conceptual designs for future

developments and participates in the development and editing of ordinances.

Coordinates with developers, architects in the design of new projects. Represents the Planning

Department on committees and boards and review and recommends changes to design guidelines

governing the City's Architectural Review Boards.

Performs support work for the Planning Commission; prepares recommendations, reports, and

presentations on zoning applications, conditional use permits, special exceptions, and planned

residential developments. Prepares summary and recommendations for City Council & Board of

Zoning Appeals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected toeffectively work together to meet the needs of the community

and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also

expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Planning - Comprehensive knowledge of philosophies, practices, principles and techniques of the

municipal planning process as they pertain to the development and redevelopment of urban

areas.

• Policy and Procedures – Comprehensive knowledge of the City ordinances, codes and regulations

pertaining to planning and urban design.

Page 1 of 2 Revised: 08/01/2015

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service – Develops and maintains cooperative and

professional relationships with contractors, employees and the general public. Able to effectively

handle routine inquiries and complaints from or disputes with customers.

• Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related

software to effectively complete a variety of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and

accuracy. Knowledge of techniques in preparing maps, charts, plans, sketches and other graphics.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex

situations and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative

solutions, forecasting, conclusions or approaches.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Time Management - Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the

completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

• Communication – Excellent ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas

presented through spoken word or writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues

with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture or a

closely related field and 3-5 years of experience in professional planning and urban design, or an

equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a

valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

pounds).

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Page 2 of 2 Revised: 08/01/2015