Responsible for performing professional planning functions, including processing and reviewing development applications, and communicating development regulations to the general public, developers, citizens, and officials.  The position coordinates development activities and projects with other departments, developers, builders, outside agencies, and the general public. Performs duties related to planning, utilizing various development codes. Work is performed with moderate supervision.

Essential Functions:

• Provides excellent customer service while performing technical support associated with planning activities, which includes: coordinating public inquiry on development processes, codes, ordinances, submittal and permit requirements; processing utility releases; maintaining logs for permit distribution and plan review turnaround times; may schedule and enter activities; initiating cases in database; generating and processing a variety of daily, weekly, and monthly reports; preparing narrative staff reports and recommendations of varying complexity; preparing public notices; performing other related activities. 
• Conducts review of various development applications, including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezonings. 
• Interprets and applies applicable local, state, and federal laws and rules. 
• Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
• Assists with updates, maintenance, and implementation of Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
• Conducts extensive research, including occasional field research, in specific or general project areas. 
• Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Council; may serve as liaison to development-related boards and committees.
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through improved community planning. 
• Adheres to established work product deadlines.
• Maintains regular and punctual on-site attendance

 Additional Duties:

• May provide mentorship to subordinate planners within organization.
• May investigate violations, conduct field inspections; or attend public meetings 
• Maintains a variety of records for the department related to development activities. 
• Prepares a variety of reports related to departmental activities. 
• May occasionally help plan, promote, and participate in events that increase public education and awareness regarding city planning.
• Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in city planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field
• Four years of construction, design, planning, or municipal experience

OR              

Core Competencies:                                            

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices; 
• Skilled in providing customer service;
• Skilled in problem solving
• Knowledge of basic filing principles; 
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping practices; 
• Skilled in reading and interpreting development/construction documents; 
• Skilled in interpreting and applying applicable code requirements and permitting processes; 
• Skilled in gathering and analyzing information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals;
• Skilled in reading and comprehending highly technical or specialized materials;
• Skilled in reading and interpreting plans, blueprints, schematics, and/or other related development documents;
• Skilled in applying independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines;
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and customers

Preferences:

• AICP Certification
• A Master's degree in city planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field is preferred.
• Experience managing projects related to construction, plats, site plans, zoning changes, code amendments, or comprehensive plans.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check
• Must be able to work outside of regular business hours as needed
• Must attend and successfully complete the City’s Defensive Driving Course (DDC) as soon as possible after employment (if required to drive City vehicle or personal vehicle for City business)

Physical Requirements:
Overall Strength Demands:  The italicized word describes the overall strength demand of the functions performed by the incumbent during a typical workday.
•    Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
•    Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
•    Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
•    Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
•    Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds
 
        
Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether the incumbent is expected to be subjected to the following physical demands during a typical workday, and the overall frequency of those demands.
 
Codes for “how often”:
 Y = Yes
N = No
E = Extensive (100-70%)
M = Moderate (60-30%)
I = Infrequent (20-10%)
A = Almost never (<10%)

Task: Code:
1.    Standing: M
2.    Sitting: M
3.    Walking: M
4.    Lifting: I
5.    Carrying: M
6.    Pushing/Pulling: I
7.    Overhead Work: A
8.    Fine Dexterity: I
9.    Kneeling: I
10.    Crouching: I
11.    Crawling: I
12.    Bending: I
13.    Twisting: I
14.    Climbing: I
15.    Balancing: I
16.    Vision: E
17.    Hearing: E
18.    Talking: M
19.    Video Display: E
20.    Other:  
 
 

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
The essential functions of this position require the use of a computer, various software applications, phone, measuring instruments, level, testing devices and the occasional operation of a motor vehicle

Environmental Factors:
The essential functions of this position are normally performed in an office environment.  

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract.  Management has exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

About City of Denton

The City of Denton is a vibrant and growing community with many opportunities, no matter what your interest or passion. You’re free to be whoever you are in a friendly atmosphere with a small town vibe that’s just a short drive away from the big city. And we invite your friends to discover Denton, too. Denton is the county seat of Denton County with a population of approximately 148,000 residents. The City includes a municipally owned electric utility; an airport; three libraries; parks, trails, and recreation centers; a water park and natatorium; a 2,900-acre natural heritage area; and a resource recovery park. Our educated and creative residents value sustainability and collaboration, as evident in the city’s cutting-edge practices, vibrant art and music scene, and popular hot spots and events. With two universities and more than 50,000 students, two hospitals, an industrial district, and a lively downtown and entrepreneurial community, Denton is one of the top 25 fastest-growing cities in the country and was ranked the No. 1 Best Small Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today in 2012.

Connections working at City of Denton