Senior Planner - Community Development Department

Company Description

Incorporated in 1957, the Town of Clarkdale operates under the council-manager form of government. The Town Council consists of the Mayor and four Council Members, all elected at large to serve staggered four-year terms. A Vice Mayor is chosen internally by a vote of the Council every two years. The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council. The Town Council also appoints the Town Attorney and Town Magistrate.

The Town employs approximately 58 employees and its Fiscal Year 2025 budget is $43 million with a five-year capital improvement plan budget of $19.3 million. Clarkdale provides residents with an array of municipal services, including planning, permitting, zoning, economic development, special events, parks and recreation, public safety, utilities, and public works. The organization also provides financial, human resources, risk management, information technology, and emergency management functions for the Town.

Job Description

The salary range for this position is $52,441 – $83,907.

Candidates with experience may start at the midpoint of $68,173.
This is an FLSA exempt, full time, with full benefits.

DESCRIPTION: Under guidance of the Assistant Town Manager/Community Development Director, leads the administration, research and analysis of planning, zoning, subdivision, design review and land use development issues. Processes General Plan amendments, zoning and site plan applications and prepares reports and staff recommendations for presentation to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board and Town Council. Coordinates with other Town departments relative to development and zoning issues.  Performs advanced planning duties associated with both the current and long-range planning functions of the Community Development Department.

CLASSIFICATION: Employees of this class are expected to function as a team leader on complex projects that require gathering, analyzing, and presenting technical data in a municipal setting.  This is an exempt, full-time, classified position with full benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: Essential functions and duties may be modified at any time at management’s discretion. Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Receives and reviews zoning, development, variance, and subdivision requests;
• Prepares staff reports on items coming before boards and commissions for work sessions and/or public hearings and presents the same to Boards, Commissions, and Town Council;
• Leads the preparation and publication of agendas, statutory notifications, Board and Commission packets;
• Answers questions and provides information to the public, staff and outside agencies regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan, and exercises discretion in the performance of tasks;
• Prepare studies and reports on planning, zoning, and land use issues;  
• Prepares text amendments and conducts public hearings as required by Arizona Revised Statutes and Town procedures;
• Provides technical assistance and make recommendations to developers, engineers architects and the public;
• Works directly with the Community Development Director in managing projects, attending meetings, following up with applicants, developers, and outside agency representatives.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning Geography, Architecture, or any closely related field with a minimum of two (2) years full time experience, or any combination of education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certificates

• Must possess a valid drivers’ license (with the ability to transfer an out-of-state license to Arizona immediately) and maintain an acceptable driving record;
• AICP certification a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of community planning and urban design.
• Ability to conduct planning studies and formulate recommendations based on thorough analysis of such studies;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, outside agencies, developers, Town Council, appointed Boards and Commissions and the public;
• Knowledge and ability to apply Arizona Revised Statutes to planning issues for conformance to state law;
• Ability to meet and work under prescribed deadlines;
• Familiarity with ArcView GIS and/or Adobe publication software;
• Knowledge and familiarity with internet search engines, sit