Environmental Sustainability Planner

Purpose of Position:

To perform planning duties under the direction of the Director of Planning and Development, including floodplain planning and management, redevelopment planning, environmental planning, planning for sustainability and resiliency, grant writing and associated and assigned duties and tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs all aspects of the City’s Floodplain Management Program including compliance with federal programs, laws and requirements, administration of floodplain housing programs, administration of economic development programs for commercial and industrial uses in the floodplain, grant writing, planning for floodplain redevelopment, assistance with economic development and redevelopment programs.
• Assists in conducting planning related studies such as comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning, redevelopment planning and environmental planning as needed to support the commission and committees staffed by the City Planning and Development department.
• Assists in the implementation of Comprehensive Plan recommendations.
• Assist the Director of Planning and Development with a variety of projects.
• Assists in the preparation of the monthly City Plan Commission report and provides advice and recommendations to the City Plan Commission.
• Develops programs to assist in the economic investment and reinvestment in areas affected by environmental conditions including floodplains, brownfield sites, shorelands and other environmental conditions.
• Assist the Economic Development Planner in site plan review and redevelopment strategies.
• Serves as liaison to the Floodplain Advisory Committee. Provide advice and recommendations.
• Serves as a liaison and city representative for sustainability initiatives and organizations including the Sustainable La Crosse Commission.
• Provides staff support to local Neighborhood Associations on floodplain issues and leads efforts in the development of programs to assist in flood mitigation and redevelopment.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of development regulations and revisions.
• Conducts planning related studies to support the commissions and committees staffed by the City Planning department.
• Assists in the Citywide GIS related to floodplain analysis and evaluation, associated website offerings, including creating and maintaining GIS data layers, databases, data standards, quality control, policies, and maintenance procedures.
• Creates thematic and comprehensive maps for analysis, presentations, and distribution and special projects. Perform and make floodplain determinations and provide letters of determination to property owners, banks, and insurance companies.
• Responsible for the City’s Community Rating System program, including the annual certification. Coordinates city archives of flood related data, documentation, and history.
• Review all elevation certificates for community floodplain management
• Plan, develop, and implement educational tools and programs for floodplain education for the Common Council, city employees, residents, contractor, developer, and others whose work will impact or be dependent on floodplain issues in the City of La Crosse.
• Perform and make floodplain determinations and provide letters of determination to property owners, banks, and insurance companies.
• Completes FEMA floodplain submittals and LOMA applications; signs Community Acknowledgement forms as required by FEMA. Writes and administers grants for the department.
• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary department information including business negotiation matters.
• Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Assists in evaluation and selection of consultants.
• May perform cost benefit analysis and paperwork required for floodplain violation mitigation and grant requests.
• Maintains the content and monitors traffic for the Planning department website.
• Oversees interns as needed Photocopies materials.
• Develops meeting agendas and takes and transcribes meeting minutes.
• Answers telephone calls.
• Provides information or refers to appropriate person or agency.
• Assist other staff with duties related to all other City planning activities and projects.

Minimum Training and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning or related field, plus 5 years work experience with one or more of the following: planning principles, floodplain issues, economic development, GIS sustainability planning, environmental planning, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Strong communication skills and the ability to speak to citizens, public groups, media representatives and elected officials required.
• Website maintenance experience desirable.
• Landscape architecture, engineering or surveying experience is desirable.
• A valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification within 6 months.

Apply online at link included