CITY PLANNER - City of Wellington

WELLINGTON, KS

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Position Summary

Under administrative supervision of the City Manager, the City Planner is responsible for the operation and functions of the Building, Codes and Zoning Department of the City of Wellington. Functions include planning and zoning, building inspections, and code compliance. The City Planner interprets and applies applicable state and local codes, ordinances and regulations, as well as, writes or assists in writing a variety of ordinances and regulations pertaining to zoning and environmental planning. Duties are performed under general review by the City Manager with performance being determined by productivity assessment and quality of work. The employee in this position must maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License at all times during employment.

Essential Functions

Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the Building, Codes and Zoning Department personnel;
Assists with coordination of projects and may act as liaison between the City and Engineering Consultants;
Provides information to builders, engineers, contractors, architects and the public concerning City development policies and procedures;
Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to the Governing Body, City Manager, and other official’s;
Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezoning, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals;
Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations;
Develops long range plans and promotes community development;
Formulates and recommends policies on development, growth, land use, transportation, environmental, and housing;
Provide technical expertise and information to encourage cooperation and efficiency of the development process;
Serves as the City’s ADA Coordinator and ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
Prepares, administers and adheres to the departmental budget;
Researches, analyzes, interprets and prepares the City’s planning and zoning ordinances including amendments;
Provides staff support and technical assistance to the Planning Commission, Combined Trade Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the City Manager, including preparing reports and researching planning issues;
Receives and responds to citizen’s questions or complaints concerning zoning, code compliance or general departmental or city concerns.

Marginal Functions

Assists other City Staff in the interpretation of the City codes and applicable zoning, planning and building processes;
Attends City Council meetings, when necessary and/or required;
Represents the City on various boards and committees;
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.

Position Requirements

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in government, municipal government, and/or related agencies preferred, with general knowledge of city planning, zoning, engineering, and land development. Experience in working with Geographic Information System applications preferred.

Education/Licenses: A Bachelor’s Degree in planning, public administration or a related field is preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired. Valid Kansas Driver’s License required at all times during employment.

Technical Skills: Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices and techniques of community development planning, building inspection, code compliance, and related community development services. Proficient working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Proficient knowledge of planning laws and state statutes, and ability to interpret codes, regulations, and procedures. Ability to prepare detailed reports and maintain detailed files and records. Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing. Proficient knowledge of and ability to use computer software applications including word processing and spreadsheets. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

Problem Solving: Problem solving is a factor in this position and requires an ability to plan, direct, and integrate the sub-functions within the department. Other problems include, but are not limited to, addressing and resolving citizen concerns and complaints, interpretation of zoning and ordinance regulations and overall priority and organizational daily responsibilities.

Decision-Making: Decision making is a factor in the everyday job duties of this position. Employee provides accurate determinations for zoning and code compliance requirements.

Supervision: Works under the administrative supervision of the City Manager and has supervisory responsibility over subordinate personnel in the Building, Codes and Zoning Department.

Accountability: Employee is responsible for the efficient use of time, equipment and materials. Employee is responsible for budgetary control of the department and participates in preparation of an annual departmental budget. He/she is responsible for reporting any problems immediately to the City Manager.

Personal Relations: Frequent contact with the general public, subordinate personnel, and staff of other City departments.

Working Conditions: Approximately 80% of work is performed indoors. Indoor duties will be performed in a climate controlled environment and the employee may regularly sit for extended periods of time. Regular use of standard office equipment, including computers and phones, is required. During work outdoors, some exposure to adverse weather conditions, hazardous elements, and dangerous situations is possible. The employee may be exposed to fumes, dirt, dust, grease, fuel, chemicals, toxins, rough terrain, dark or poor lit areas, and wet and/or humid conditions. The employee will be exposed to mechanical and traffic hazards. Work hours generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some variation occasionally required and some overtime hours.