Principal Planner

Posting number: FY2026-01497

Department: Planning

Job classification: Principal Planner

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Planning and Development, Professional, Miscellaneous, Community Development, Project Management, Program Management

Summary

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, this position performs complex professional and responsible administrative work with major projects or programs, by coordinating and participating in the collection and analysis of physical social economic and financial data by statistical methods. Work involves providing services relating to current planning, historic district administration, zoning, subdivisions, demographics, etc. Work also involves receiving and responding to a variety of inquiries from contractors, developers, surveyors, real estate agents, and the general public.  Reports to the Assistant Director of Planning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Researches, prepares, and develops complex studies, reports, designs and plans for the Planning Commission, the department, and other various boards and commissions; drafts codes and ordinances, and reviews plans and projects for code compliance; performs field inspections; coordinates and participates in the collection and analysis of physical, social economic and financial data by statistical methods to conduct planning assignments.

Oversees and manages all aspects of complex special projects such as small area plans, ordinance updates, etc. including managing vendors, overseeing contracts, public engagement activities, and report creation.

Provides information to the general public; keeps abreast of current and future issues and trends; reviews plans prepared by external agencies to ensure compliance with city codes, State regulations, design, and construction standards; meets with the general public, developers, agency and program personnel, and neighborhood groups to discuss city plans and concerns.

Works with staff to process applications for Certificates of Appropriateness and other development in the City’s historic districts. Assists developers and citizens in reviewing and complying with the historic district guidelines. May serve as the city’s liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission

Collaborates with staff and outside agencies to identify and incorporate resilience initiatives and strategies into projects, programs, and policies.

Serves as a member of and attends various local, regional, and statewide committees, panels, and boards; provides input based on expertise and observations as appropriate; maintains professional relationships and contact with planning professionals to facilitate exchange of information; provides staff support to various Boards and Commissions; presents presentations during public hearings.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Examples of duties

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of urban planning and design, including environmental planning. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and physical design as generally related to planning and development. Has considerable knowledge of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the planning process. Has considerable knowledge of City zoning ordinances and related land use regulations. Has considerable knowledge of the principles of supervision and organization. Has general knowledge of the city and its socio-economic characteristics. Is skilled in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations. Is able to review subdivision plans, site development plans and related drawings for compliance to applicable local regulations and ordinances. Is able to plan, assign and direct the activities of a professional, technical and clerical staff. Is able to explain planning theory, policy and practices to lay people individually or in groups. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with city, municipal, state and federal officials, and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencie