The City of McMinnville is hiring a Senior Planner to perform a variety of work in such areas as land use, community development, cultural, urban design and architecture, transportation planning, and code and policy development. This position provides technical information and interprets laws, ordinance, rules and regulations for land developers and the public. The Senior Planner conducts research and prepares detailed analyses and recommendations for land use issues. This position is required to perform complex and challenging specialized functions with minimum direction and supervision.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. For best consideration, please apply by the first review date on Monday September 21st.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Long Range Planning

1. Prepares research reports, plans, maps, and charts related to short- and long-range comprehensive planning, zoning, permits, and community development.

2. Serves as a project manager in the development of short- and long-range plans.

3. Researches, develops, and recommends new programs, projects, or program improvements to enhance the enduring value of the community for future generations.

4. Manages and participates in large planning projects with developers, agencies, civic groups, and special interests.

5. Prepares grant application forms and administers grants awarded.

6. Prepares requests for proposals, reviews consultant qualifications, negotiates contracts, prepares budgets, and tracks expenses.

7. Prepares work programs and timelines, reviews consultant work, prepares progress reports and other similar tasks associated with completing the work program.

8. Assists in developing plans, policies, and guidelines to direct community growth.

Current Planning

1. Reviews and analyzes development applications and plans.

2. Writes ordinances, legal findings, and decision documents.

3. Presents land-use applications to the Planning Commission and City Council as appropriate.

4. Reviews development proposals, working with the customer to complete a land use solution that complies with laws and regulations in an expedited process.

Customer Service and Program Support

1. Confers with developers and the public in both office and field locations.

2. Conducts on-site inspections at construction sites.

3. Performs complex and challenging specialized functions with minimum direction and supervision.

4. Provides general and technical information and interprets planning laws, ordinances, and codes for land developers, the public, and other City staff.

5. Receives input from citizens and assesses public opinion on planning matters.

6. Provides staff support to various commissions and committees.

7. Makes presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.

8. Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans.

9. Administers zoning ordinances and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission as appropriate.

10. Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned. Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
• Participate in committees when requested.
• Maintain proficiency in job requirements which may include attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
• Maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and comply with all related city, state, and federal standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to qualify would be an advanced degree in a related field and at least five (5) years of related experience. This position also requires:

Knowledge of:

• Planning and land use laws and comprehensive plans (including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement), environmental studies, urban design/architecture, geography, report preparation, and presentation methods.
• Data gathering and research techniques.
• Design and distribution of questionnaires and other citizen survey tools used in the planning process.
• Theory and methods of formulating land use and other policies.
• The methods used for citizen involvement in planning projects.
• Planning applications for land use theory, urban design, economics, municipal finance, land use law, environmental design, resource development, and ecology.
• Computer applications for word processing, desk top publishing, creation of spread sheets and computer-generated business graphics.

Skill and Ability to:

• Conduct on-site inspections at construction sites.
• Analyze data gathered and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Speak publicly to make reports and informational presentations about planning and community development activities to citizen, business, and other interest groups.
• Clearly explaining policies, regulations, and procedures orally and in writing.
• Identify regulatory actions such as the creation of zoning code provisions or changes in the zoning map that implement the City’s policies.
• Design documents to provide information to the public and/or to involve the public in planning issues.
• Draft ordinances and resolutions, which amend the City’s policies and/or codes in minor ways.
• Prepare reports, including recommendations for the creation or amendment of policy and/or zoning.
• Work with organizations to facilitate their development of positions on planning related matters or in the development of their planning documents.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING/LICENSES:

• Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is not required but desired.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Responsibilities: Applicants with demonstrated education, training, or professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) may be assigned GIS-related responsibilities in addition to the core duties of the position. GIS knowledge and experience are considered a desirable qualification and are not a minimum requirement for this position. These duties are not required for consideration and will only be assigned if the selected candidate possesses the desired qualifications and experience. Such responsibilities may include:
  • Performing routine and complex technical work to develop, maintain, and support the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Planning Division.
  • Participating on interdepartmental teams and collaborating with the Engineering Division's GIS/CAD Specialist on GIS projects and initiatives.
  • Creating, refining, and maintaining ArcGIS Online map services, web maps, and StoryMaps.
  • Researching, analyzing, designing, and developing GIS data, applications, and mapping solutions.
  • Developing, maintaining, and improving automated GIS systems and related information resources.
  • Assisting with short- and long-range GIS planning, analysis, and implementation.
  • Updating and maintaining GIS property, zoning, and land use data.