Community Planner, Senior

The DeKalb County Government is seeking a Senior Community Planner in Decatur, GA. The role involves community liaison duties, planning studies, public communication, and facilitating understanding of land use processes. Responsibilities include hosting community events, answering public inquiries, and making presentations. The position may be filled at Assistant or Associate Planner levels, with salary ranges of $47,548 - $64,646 annually. Knowledge in urban planning and public speaking is required.
General Statement of Duties

Performs a variety of neighborhood and community based professional planning duties related to current planning; serves as community liaison between the Planning Department and the public.

Depending upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities possessed by the successful applicant, this position may be filled at either the Assistant or the Associate Planner level.

Salary Range:

Assistant Planner: $47,548 - $59,217 / Annually

Associate Planner: $51,875 - $64,646 / Annually

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

Develops an effective communication system that proactively informs Neighborhood Associations and the Eugene Community of land use applications, building permits, and development proposals; communicates and explains applicable public notices related to land use applications; hosts community events; helps the community understand land use process included applicable codes, statutes, regulations, plans, and policies; coordinates information requests with other City Divisions and Departments.

Answers questions and provides information to the public; addresses concerns and facilitates participation in, and understanding of, the City’s planning processes; serves as public contact for land use planning, current planning, and metropolitan and community planning.

Makes presentations regarding general planning issues or specialized planning policies and procedures to neighborhood groups and educational, civic, and professional organizations.

Serves on departmental or interdepartmental staff teams and a variety of City committees.

Conducts planning studies, gathering data to evaluate planning projects.

Develops promotional and informational materials, providing information to the public regarding Planning Division programs, procedures, and related City ordinances, codes, plans, and other standards.

Identifies and assists in resolving conflicts associated with various development proposals and land use applications.

May research and draft ordinances to amend the zoning and other land use development ordinances; may evaluate amendments to the comprehensive plan, neighborhood plans, or regional plans and policies.

Compiles and analyzes information; makes recommendations on community plans, special studies, and long-range plans and policies.

May exercise supervision over temporary staff or interns.

Supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Assistant Planner:

Knowledge Of:

Basic, modern principles and practices of Urban Planning, Economics, Development, public involvement, community collaboration, and facilitation.

Public speaking and presentation skills.

Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.

Terminology of governmental and legal procedures related to municipal planning.

Modern office methods, procedures, and computer equipment

Ability To:

Analyze and compile technical and statistical information of moderate difficulty; prepare reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Become familiar with current maps, studies, ordinances, and other planning resources.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Work accurately and thoroughly with close attention to detail to meet deadlines.

Evaluate issues and solve problems; discuss problems and complaints tactfully, courteously, and effectively with co-workers and the public.

Work well independently and within a team setting; make appropriate decisions regarding work methods and priorities.

Learn State, Federal, and City laws and regulations related to general plans, zoning, and land divisions

Associate Planner: In addition to the qualifications for Assistant Planner:

Knowledge Of:

City laws and ordinances related to general plans, zoning, and land divisions.

Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Citizen involvement techniques and processes.

Mediation and/or facilitation.

Ability To:

Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information gathered through various public processes.

Effectively communicate complex technical details to the public.

Mediate and/or facilitate large and small groups in a variety of settings.

Perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.

Interpret and translate complex planning issues and technical data into an easily understood format for the public.

Manage controversy related to specific development proposals and community planning issues.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Assistant Planner

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field(s).

Experience

One year of Planning related experience. Experience in Current Planning is desirable.

Associate Planner

Education

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field(s).

Master’s degree in a planning related field is desirable.

Experience

Three years of professional Planning experience.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Supplemental Information

In addition to the salary listed above, upon eligibility, the City will contribute the employee contribution of 6% and the employer contribution to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Additionally, for non-represented employees who defer a minimum of 3% of their base salary into the City’s deferred compensation plan, the City will reimburse them 2% of their salary through a Deferred Compensation Benefit added to salary.

Selection ProcessApplicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Applicants selected to continue in the process will be notified within two-three weeks after the posting deadline. Due to the volume of applications received by the City, generally, only applicants selected for further consideration (testing, interviews) will be contacted. Anyone requesting information on a selection process may contact Human Resources (541) 682-5061 or may check the status on the Employment Opportunities Website at www.eugene-or.gov/jobs.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

Alternative forms of job postings are available. Call (541) 682-5061, TTY (541) 682-5674.

The City of Eugene is committed to a work environment which values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally competent service to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, the City continues to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code/statute.

Salary And Benefits

The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefits, deferred compensation, physical examination, life insurance, and long-term disability. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.

To view a summary of benefits and/or benefit premium rates click the respective link. Click here to view information about Total Worker Health.

01

The supplemental questionnaire is scored and will be used to determine if you will proceed to the next phase of the selection process. Please limit your answers to a total of three typewritten pages, if submitting hard copy. Please do not reference your résumé or application in your responses. Describe the most challenging or successful collaborative public process that you have managed, including why it was successful, how you dealt with controversy, and how you maintained cooperative working relationships with proponents and opponents. Describe a public process you have managed or been involved with that was less successful, or had identified challenges or constraints.

02

Describe your experience and role(s) with community outreach, public speaking, developing workshops or trainings, and/or creating educational material for a broad base audience. How would you approach the complexities of land use planning issues while helping members of the community understand and navigate the system to effectively communicate and advocate neighborhood and community interests?

03

In addition to traditional planning functions, this position involves assisting the public in interfacing with City services and regulations. Describe your experience with, or knowledge of, the provision of a full range of integrated City services (for example Police, Fire, Recreation or Library) to the public. Specifically, describe your understanding of the linkages between City service delivery and neighborhood involvement.

04

How would you develop a working relationship with someone that is different than you? How would you approach building a relationship of trust with stakeholders who are skeptical of your intentions? How will you maintain excellent customer service with people from varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds, people that come from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, people that are part of the mainstream culture or an alternative culture, and people that have a variety of educational backgrounds?

05

Your response to the following question is only used to track your application in our system. Hiring decisions are not based on this response. Please state your month and day of birth.
• Required Question