planner, associate

The City of Columbia seeks an Associate Planner to perform professional planning work related to land use, infrastructure, and city projects. Responsibilities include developing plans, conducting research, reviewing ordinances, and participating in public meetings. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field and one year of experience. Evening and weekend hours are necessary for public meetings.
Job Summary

This position performs professional and technical work in current and long-range programs related to the development and implementation of land use plans and policies, capital improvements, infrastructure development and other City projects and programs; performs professional planning work in the administration and enforcement of design guidelines for the City; and performs related work as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
• Develops and/or assists in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, infrastructure and other plans to meet the City's needs;
• * Researches, gathers, interprets and prepares data for planning and zoning studies, reports and recommendations; prepares a variety of studies, briefs and reports for decision-making and presentation purposes;
• Reviews, evaluates and updates the City's land use ordinances as necessary;
• Develops and maintains Geographic Information System(s) programs to assist with department planning functions;
• Supports transportation planning activities as needed including bike/ped counts program, analysis and reporting and other tasks as needed;
• Conducts independent research as required related to the Comprehensive Plan and other planning efforts;
• Participates in public meetings and makes presentations to various groups related to City planning efforts. These meetings will require frequent evening and some weekend hours;
• Assists Urban Design Planner, Historic Preservation Planner, and Annexation Coordinator with professional work as needed;
• Assists with all facets of the Planning Commission, Design/Development Review Commission, writing evaluations, staffing meetings, and maintaining pertinent records from meetings;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and concerns pertaining to City planning projects, regulations and ordinances;
• Participates in department marketing and public relations efforts;
• Maintains records pertinent to planning and development programs and projects;
• Assists in coordinating department activities and functions with those of other City departments, County and other outside agencies as appropriate;
• Provides technical direction for staff interns in areas of responsibility;
• Performs routine administrative/clerical work as required, including entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, assembling materials, typing reports and correspondence, etc.;
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work:
• Bachelor's Degree in urban or regional planning, Geography, or a closely related field;
• One (1) year of relevant prior experience;
• May be required to type 30 corrected wpm;
• Valid South Carolina Class 'D' Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions; or measurements, logarithmic or geometric construction. May use algebraic solutions of equations and inequalities; descriptive statistics; deductive geometry, plane and solid, and rectangular coordinates; mathematical classifications or schemes;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform work involving the application of principles of logical thinking to diagnose or define problems, collect data and solve abstract problems with widespread unit or organizational impact;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure;
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.
Physical Demands:

The work is considered sedentary and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: climbing, hearing, mental acuity, speaking, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
Working Conditions:

Work environment may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, and wetness or humidity, traffic hazards; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs