PLANNER II
Job Posting on College Job Boards: City Planner Position at City of Elkhart
Position: Planner II Department: Development Services Division: Planning & Zoning Employment Type: Full-time Category: Salaried FLSA: Exempt Reports To: Assistant Director for Planning Date: August 2023
Job Summary: As a Planner II at the City of Elkhart, you will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance and undertaking various professional planning duties. Serving as the primary point of contact for customer service within the Permit Center, you will hold significant influence over decisions and recommendations made by the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Commission.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Make informed decisions regarding the appropriate application of standards and ordinances.
- Offer professional support to the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Commission.
- Issue zoning clearances, building permits, and signage permits.
- Address inquiries related to zoning and other planning matters.
- Provide zoning verifications.
- Review proposed site plans and changes in land use upon request.
- Conduct research on planning and zoning policies.
- Assist in the preparation of fundamental planning studies and inventories.
- Contribute to both long-range and short-range planning projects, as well as special initiatives as required.
- Assist in updating the Comprehensive Plan and land use and zoning ordinance amendments.
- Furnish census and planning information to the general public and governmental bodies.
- Act as the primary liaison to the Historic and Cultural Commission.
- Handle inquiries pertaining to historic preservation, zoning, and urban planning issues.
- Issue certificates of Appropriateness for the Historic and Cultural Commission.
- Manage address assignments.
- Scan, archive, and maintain planning documents and plans.
- Maintain records related to floodplains.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Undertake any other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field.
- Master's Degree strongly preferred.
- Valid driver's license required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Profound understanding of urban planning and land use concepts.
- Familiarity with the Planning Acts of the State of Indiana.
- Thorough knowledge of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
- Familiarity with the Comprehensive Plan.
- Ability to compose comprehensive staff reports.
- Competence in maintaining and developing databases.
- Capable of both independent work and effective collaboration within a departmental team.
- Proficiency in Spanish language is advantageous.
Physical, Mental, and Visual Skills:
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact adeptly with the public, property owners, and developers.
- Competence in driving a car.
Working Conditions:
- Work primarily takes place in a standard office environment with a weekly commitment of 40-plus hours, but fieldwork such as site inspections and sweeps may be necessary.
Post-Offer Testing Required: The City of Elkhart maintains a Drug-Free Workplace policy. Successful completion of a post-offer drug screen is mandatory (random drug tests may occur post-employment). Satisfactory BMV and criminal history reports are also required as part of the background check.
Policy Statement: The incumbent must possess the skills, abilities, and physical, mental, and visual attributes described in this job description to carry out the principal duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions. This job description outlines the main nature and scope of work performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities pertain to tasks that are fundamental to this job's performance, while additional duties are considered incidental or secondary to its overall purpose. This job description doesn't specify that the listed duties and responsibilities are exhaustive. Employees in this position may be required to fulfill other job-related tasks as directed by the Mayor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities.