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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior PlannerUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Planner Department: Neighborhood & Development Services Division: Development Services Supervisor: Development Services Coordinator FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 30 Job Number: 3009 Job Summary Supervises and directs the operational, financial and personnel activities of Urban Planning staff. Ensures responsiveness to community needs relative to planning, growth and development. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Directs preparation and presentation of reports and analysis of zoning and development applications to Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, the City Council and the Board of Adjustment. • Directs development and updates of comprehensive plan and presentation of microanalyses of specific geographic areas, directs planning and implementation of strategies to involve residents in comprehensive planning updates. • Develops and monitors budget for planning staff. • Assigns cases to Associate Planners based on their workload and capabilities, reviews assignments with Associate Planners to help keep projects on schedule. • Reviews and edits reports and memos prepared by Associate Planners. • Writes and supervises preparation of ordinances and resolutions for the City Council for applications reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. • Confers with public officials and boards and commissions regarding planning and zoning issues. • Responds to staff questions concerning development policies, zoning, subdivision and development requirements. • Responds to public inquiries regarding zoning issues, subdivision development and large- scale development proposals. • Directs preparation and maintenance of Urban Planning related web pages. • Serves as lead staff to Planning and Zoning Commission, works with clerical staff to prepare agendas, notification letters and legal notices for Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. • Guides developers through zoning and development application process. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and two to four years of related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Urban Planning or related. Experience in municipal planning and community development. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and five years of related experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze a variety of alternatives and make long range planning recommendations based on benefits to the community. • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to develop and present mathematical budget information and benefit/cost analysis. • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports and journals, and legal documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. • Ability to write reports and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. • Knowledge of municipal planning techniques and principles and the general workings of state and federal programs and land development. • Knowledge of relevant provisions of federal, state and local law and current administrative techniques and practices. • Skill in planning, reasoning, conflict resolution, and verbal and written communications. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Supervision Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to permanent staff in completing daily tasks and assignments. May perform additional supervisory duties at the direction of the Department or Division Head to include disciplinary action, assisting with hiring or firing, and writing or delivering performance reviews. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024) Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________