Planner

Under general direction, performs planning, zoning and community development tasks and functions for the City of Joplin. Reports to the Director of Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services.

·        Attendance and dependability. 

 

·        Researches items, prepares agendas, organizes meetings and summarizes data for the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Joplin Redevelopment Corporation.

·        Compiles and summarizes the data for special use permits, rezoning requests, historic preservation requests, zoning variances and exceptions.

·        Prepares project data and distributes to commission and council members.

·        Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers and correspondence making recommendations and decisions on projects.

·        Presents requests for the Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

·        Serves as Project Manager for all types of projects to include CDBG, HOME, MPO and other projects.

·        Updates City zoning maps and records. Maintains and updates the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

·        Maintains records and files, including plans, zoning ordinances and other data relating to planning and zoning activities; answers questions about planning and zoning, zoning ordinances and community development.

·        Prepares the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Grant, HUD and Economic Development Administration (EDA) applications for funding.

·        Develops documents for community development projects.

·        Researches Federal regulations and determines eligibility for funding; compiles data and prepares reports for City Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.

·        Prepares the Consolidated Plan for metropolitan Joplin and prepares documents and reports for HUD.

·        Responsible for meeting all HUD requirements and correcting issues as they are identified.

·        Maintains detailed documentation always being prepared for review and auditing.

·        Develops the Planning Work Program and Transportation Improvement Program for the Joplin Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

·        Maintains detailed documentation of the Joplin MPO, including performance reports, transportation plans and data, and financial records; prepares reports for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

·        Assists the Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services Director with writing Economic Development grant applications for submission to the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

·        Works with several economic development boards and organizations.

·        Assists the Director with economic development projects and programs including Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) and Missouri’s Enterprise Zone.

·        Presents the City’s planning goals, strategies, long range plans, mission and vision for citizens within the community, neighborhood groups and public organizations.

·        Leads project reviews as a team member and as assigned by the Director or City Manager.

·        Writes a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.

·        Recommends priorities, schedules and funding sources to implement public improvement plans.

·        Attends many meetings at other than normal work times.

·        The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description shall not to be construed as an exclusive or all inclusive list of the duties associated with this position.  

·        The supervisor may on occasion assign other duties which are not specifically listed in this job description, provided the employee is qualified and certified/licensed to perform these additional functions.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

·        Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Planning and Zoning Commission members, City Council Members, grant applicants and the public.

·        Ability to facilitate groups and to present difficult information to large and small groups.

·        Skill in expressing ideas effectively orally and in writing.

·        Ability to apply statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge in practical situations.

·        Management and leadership skills.

·        Knowledge of HUD CDBG guidelines and rules.  

·        Knowledge of economic and social characteristics and needs of the different community areas.

·        Knowledge of municipal planning principles and practices.

·        Knowledge of community development principles and practices.

·        Knowledge of the data to be used by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.

·        Knowledge of City of Joplin zoning ordinances.

·        Knowledge of City planning and zoning policies, procedures, and guidelines.

·        Requires long periods of sitting.

·        Must be mobile to such a degree that allows efficient, effective essential job related movement such as moving around a building or work area to perform essential job functions.

·        Low levels of twisting and bending may be required.

·        Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate common office equipment such as computers, typewriters, copiers, FAX machines and telephones.

·        Must not hamper the safety of self or others.

·        Knowledge of Community Development Block Grant and HOME program regulations.

·        Skill in researching and preparing informational materials regarding planning, zoning and community development.

·        Skill in maintaining files, records and reports.

·        Skill in operating a variety of standard office equipment, including FAX machines, personal computers, calculators and copiers.

·        Ability to operate computer hardware and software such as spreadsheets, databases and GIS programs.

·        Ability to pay close attention to details while seeing the bigger picture.

·        A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Community Development, Urban Planning, or closely related field.

·        Experience in effective communication and in technical writing techniques.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully complete a thorough background check, and successfully complete a physical exam and drug test.