HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD - Senior PlannerSenior Planner
Page 1
Council Approved 09-03-13
Revised 05-30-17, 10-2021, 7-2023
City of Waukee
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Senior Planner Reports to: Community Development Director
Dept/Div: Community Development Direct Reports: None
Pay Grade: N31 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
JOB PURPOSE: The Senior Planner assists in coordinating the development review and approval process
and assisting in the long term planning of the City including land use, neighborhoods,
transportation networks, infrastructure needs, parks and trail systems.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
1. Coordinates the development review process including review of zoning requests, subdivisions, plats and
site plans. Prepares staff comments and correspondence with various property owners, engineers and
architects.
2. Assists in the preparation of agendas, staff reports and recommendations for Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council for rezoning applications, subdivision plats and site plans.
3. Coordinates the administration of applications for variance, special use permits, special exceptions and
related matters for action by the Board of Adjustment and Board of Appeals including the preparation of
agendas, written reports with recommendations for action, meeting publication, notification to adjacent
property owners and record and file action taken.
4. Attends and/or presents at public meetings with government officials, land developers, lawyers, special
interest groups and the general public to present or address issues regarding the City’s land use and
zoning. Listens to proposals and assists the Planning Coordinator in making recommendations as
necessary.
5. Assists the Planning Coordinator with long-range planning and zoning projects including review and
updates to the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood planning, parks planning and trail planning as
assigned.
6. Studies the City’s population and current use of land through surveys, field investigations and other
research methods. Analyzes the information, maps land areas, projects program costs and predicts
trends.
7. Prepares reports regarding the locations of different infrastructure as well as population characteristics.
8. Explains and provides guidance relative to the City’s planning and zoning operations, including applicable
codes within area of responsibility to the public, architects, engineers, contractors, and other interested
parties.
9. Assists other City departments with planning-related services as directed.
10. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned
SUCCESS FACTORS:
1. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision
making; to identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant
information and specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
2. Display strong analytical and exceptional communication skills.
3. Perform in a self-directed fashion.
4. Demonstrate sound time-management skills by effectively or efficiently organizing, prioritizing, and
completing multiple assignments in a timely manner.
5. Attend administrative, department, and team meetings as scheduled.
6. Continually seek and accept opportunities for personal and professional growth.
7. Contribute to overall City effectiveness by providing critical staff support to task forces and by participating,
as necessary, in assisting all other teams.
8. Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically
required in the course of performing specific job duties.
9. Ability to work independently as well as in an overall team environment is essential.
Senior Planner
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Council Approved 09-03-13
Revised 05-30-17, 10-2021, 7-2023
10. Attentive to the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and
procedures ensuring that that all work performed meets those standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. A Bachelor’s Degree in planning, urban development or a closely related field.
2. American Institute of Certified Planners Certification, or the ability to receive the certification within the first
six months of employment.
3. Five years’ experience in a staff planning position in a city or county government or with a planning
consultant.
4. Access to transportation with insurance at required state levels to conduct business throughout the
assigned area.
5. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of land use planning as well as strong analytical, writing
and communication skills
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, City Council, City
employees, vendors and other agencies.
7. Ability to read, analyze and clearly interpret professional publications, technical manuals and complex
regulations and to communicate these in understandable terms.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of directors, staff, developers,
contractors, colleagues, elected officials and the general public.
2. Able to function productively in a standard office environment accessing cabinets, shelving, work areas and
office equipment.
3. Able to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on project such as computer screen.
4. Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic
devices and handwritten) in English with other employees and the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Climate controlled office with hazards typical to that environment.
2. Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards.
3. Standard work hours will be Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and position may include meetings,
presentations and events during weekends and evenings.
4. Willing to work long hours if necessary to meet the expectations of the job description.
5. To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours
within Waukee City Hall.
6. There is no residency requirement for this position.
I have read and understand the information contained in the Job Description. I understand that this Job Description is not intended and
should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.
Also, while this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Employer reserves the right to revise the functions and
duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the Employer. I understand that I may be
required to work overtime, different shifts or hours, outside the normally defined workday or work week. I also understand that this job
description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate any
employment at any time and for any reason and the Employer has a similar right.
Signature Date
The City of Waukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the City
will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages prospective employees and job
incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.