JOB SUMMARY

Planner is a position within the Development Services Department that helps lead the Planning Division, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Planning. Primary planning duties including citizen and neighborhood outreach, technical review and management of new development related applications, board and commission staff support, ordinance drafting, preparation of various informational reports, presentations to elected and appointed officials, internal and external advisor on applicable zoning and subdivision regulations and procedures, general office duties, and administrative related assistance to other divisions within Development Services, and the Town overall. The candidate must be highly motivated and strive for success by demonstrating Little Elm’s Core Values of Integrity, Customer Service, Efficiency, and Innovation. These values are the foundation of the organization.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration or related field is required.  Master’s degree is preferred.
2. Three (3) years urban planning or related professional experience.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

1. Must be bondable.
2. AICP preferred.
3. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
4. Possession of, or the ability to obtain appropriate valid Texas driver’s license and a clean driving record, which meets current Town auto liability requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

1. Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
2. Ability to, in a professional manner, respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or authorities, or members of the local business community.
3. Must possess excellent computer and customer service skills.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Ability to establish and meet deadlines.
2. Self-motivated.
3. Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with supervisors and other personnel.
4. Demonstrate a willingness to perform duties in a team environment.
5. Knowledge and skill in the use of software and programs including, but not limited to:  GIS, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, BlueBeam Revu, and other office-oriented software.
6. Skills prioritizing, coordinating and managing multiple concurrent projects and/or assignments.
7. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, other employees, government officials, representatives of the development community, and general public.
8. Knowledge of web-based internet programs.
9. Use tact and diplomacy with public, and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
10. Attention to detail, data entry, and file organization; ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information, and prepare clear and concise reports across multiple formats
11. Ability to read and interpret development and building plans; conduct site plan, landscape and irrigation plan, lighting plan, façade plan, and plat document reviews.
12. Ability learn how to comprehend preliminary utility and drainage plans.
13. Knowledge of the Town’s Code of Ordinances, relevant long- and short-term plans, and Special Area Studies.
14. Versed in planning practice and related sections of the Texas Local Government Code.
15. Knowledge of current applicable laws, literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning; modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment.
16. Ability to learn applicable environmental laws and regulations.
17. Ability to communicate in a professional, clear, and concise manner, both orally and in writing, as well as understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
18. Ability to administer the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.
19. Ability to assist in preparation of reports regarding variances, subdivisions, appeals of interpretation of design review, and planned development concepts for the development review process;
20. Ability to prepare legal advertisements and residential notices for public hearings

REASONING ABILITY

1. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished by management in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
2. Ability to comprehend complex policies, procedures, regulations, organizational structures etc. in a timely manner
3. Ability to accurately and appropriately apply Town Ordinances to various development situations.
4. Ability to professionally communicate interpretations of various Town Ordinances, Town processes and procedures

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to operate various machines and/or equipment; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to talk and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Primarily office environment.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS       

1. Supports Staff with Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
2. Coordinates various development inquiries and reviews.
3. Assists planning staff with composition and posting of Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment agendas and minutes.
4. Assists planning staff with composition of ordinances and other Planning functions.
5. Assists in review of development plans in the form of architectural façade plans, concept and site plans, landscaping and irrigation plans, lighting plans, and plat documents
6. Reviews and respond to zoning inquiries, rezoning requests, zoning verification requests, and other planning inquiries and applications.
7. Coordinates plat document review and approval process, from initial intake to final execution of the plat document
8. Assists with requests for information regarding Department procedures and Town of Little Elm ordinances.
9. Maintains digital records, coordinates functions within permitting and review software, and assists internal and external users as needed.
10. Pays bills for expenditures, type forms, charts, statements, and various legal documents as required.
11. Professionally composes planning correspondence and reports.
12. Produces outreach materials, brochures, and other informational material as needed for the Development Services Department.
13. Initiates and maintains a variety of files and records for information related to the Development Services Department.
14. Ensures data on the departmental web pages are updated.
15. Travels off site to attend meetings and training, on an as needed basis.
16. Performs research, compiles, and analyzes data for special projects and reports as directed by the Director.
17. Interacts effectively with Town Staff, elected and appointed officials, development community, and members of the public.
18. Provides general direction and Staff support to Permit Technician counter.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

E.O.E.  The Town of Little Elm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.