Associate Planner

OBJECTIVE:
Under general supervision of Manager of Planning Services, performs professional and technical planning functions for the City of Janesville, including general short and long range planning, development plan review activities, and special studies. Independent judgment in planning and accomplishing assigned duties is expected.

RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to: Manager of Planning Services; also performs tasks under Manager of Building and Development Services.

Has no regular supervisory duties, but may assign work to Planning Technicians, Planning/GIS Analysts, Interns, and Secretaries.

Has work relationships with City appointed officials, department staff, co-workers, consultants, City committees and commissions, outside governmental agencies, developers, surveyors, realtors and general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Organizes and prepares professional and technical planning-related studies, analyzes, and makes recommendations in connection with the current and long-range physical, social and economic development of the City.
2. May be assigned specific program duties within the division such as: review of site plans, review of land development proposals (conditional use permits, re-zonings, survey maps, plats, etc.), site plan preparation and concept design preparation for other City departments, preparation of neighborhood plans, and special project graphic and design support.
3. Prepares and presents technical and professional planning reports analyzing and summarizing existing conditions, reaching conclusions and making recommendations on the comprehensive plan, transportation plan, land development proposals, site plan review and other short and long range planning activities.
4. Researches and collects data and prepares related charts, graphs, maps, related to projects using ESRI’s mapping software, or other software provided by the City of Janesville.
5. Responds to inquiries and informational requests by developers, realtors, business community, and the general public regarding application and interpretation of City development codes and ordinances, including zoning, floodplain, subdivision regulations, future locations of streets, parks, schools, greenbelts and other community facilities. Provides information and analysis related to census and socio-economic data. Conducts research and prepares grants for various projects.
6. Recommends appropriate amendments to City planning-related codes, policies and procedures.
7. Provides general and technical support for the Plan Commission, Janesville Historic Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council and other boards or committees as instructed.
8. Conducts site inspections and enforcement for zoning, sign and other applicable city codes.
9. Performs other work as assigned or required.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or related field, and 2 years minimum experience in a local government setting, or Masters degree in the above fields and minimum 1 year of local government experience.
2. Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning including modern land use and transportation planning concepts.
3. Ability to systematically compile and analyze technical and statistical information and reports and present the results in a clear and concise manner to the general public.
4. Knowledge or skills in physical planning, spatial analysis, and design.
5. Proficient using ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Suite of products.
6. Ability to develop accurate charts, graphics and presentation materials, planning reports and records.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City appointed officials, department staff, co-workers, consultants, City committees and commissions, outside governmental agencies, developers, surveyors, realtors and the general public.
8. Ability to interpret, explain and apply applicable City codes and ordinances.
9. Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
10. Ability to collect, analyze and interpret socio-economic and demographic data.
11. Proficient using products in current versions of Microsoft Office.
12. Must have tact and courtesy; good judgment; thoroughness and dependability.