This position performs basic work for the Planning Services Division, operating under the direct supervision of the Planning Services Manager and working under the general direction of an experienced Associate Planner, Planner and/or Principal Planner.

Work may include, but is not limited to, area and site planning and development, preparation and administration of plans in the areas of comprehensive planning, current planning, housing and neighborhood development, economic development, sustainability, historic preservation, transportation and urban design.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Specific job duties may be determined based on the needs of the Planning Division at the time of hiring. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develops, prepares and administers basic plans in the areas of comprehensive and current planning, historic preservation, housing and neighborhood development, economic development, sustainability, land use regulation and urban design. 30%

• Provides specific staff support related to one or more of the following complex planning activities: Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, GIS, Bike and Pedestrian Planning, Neighborhood Planning, Sustainability, Land Use Planning/Plan Review and Housing. 30%

• Works closely with City boards and commissions, other internal and external stakeholders and other City departments on special projects. Meets with developers, engineers, architects and the general public to provide information regarding the City's zoning and land use requirements, including attending evening and weekend meetings. 15%

• Represents and prepares written staff reports, makes presentations to various City boards and commissions, responds to questions and assists the general public in resolving citizen and customer issues related to zoning and City issues. 15%

• Provides support and technical assistance to Assistant Planners on current, short-term and long-range planning projects. 10%

• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for ASSISTANT PLANNER

Required Education and Experience:

• An Associate’s Degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy or a related area of study as well as two years of planning related experience. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred and may substitute for two years of experience.
• Experience with GIS and/or AutoCAD and Adobe.
• Valid driver’s license.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
• Knowledge of a relevant planning specialization, such as land use, economic development, sustainability, development controls, transportation, urban design, neighborhoods, or housing is desired.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and enforce City codes and ordinances.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present data both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of computer hardware and software programs which may include Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, AutoCAD, Adobe, and GIS software.
• Ability to prepare and clearly present technical information to large groups and the public.
• Ability to read blueprints and maps.
• Working skill performing mathematical computations and analysis.
• Possess oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Ability to utilize creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions, handle stressful situations and work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to conduct field evaluations and assessments.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Required Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and 3 or more years of progressively responsible work experience in urban or regional planning.
• Experience with GIS and a design software (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite, Auto Cad) is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles, techniques, objectives, and practices of urban design and community planning.
• Knowledge of one or more planning areas, such as comprehensive, economic development, transportation, sustainability, neighborhood, housing, development review, and zoning.
• Knowledge of a relevant planning specialization, such as land use, economic development, sustainability, development controls, transportation, neighborhoods, or housing is desired.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and enforce city codes and ordinances. Knowledge of federal and state statutes.
• Working knowledge of basic statistical methods, calculations, and analysis. Ability to gather, analyze, and present data both orally and in writing.
• Working skill in preparing clear and concise written and oral reports, reading and understanding construction plans and maps, keeping accurate records, and performing mathematical computations and analysis.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, internet applications, and GIS.
• Knowledge of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Auto CAD, etc. is desirable.
• Ability to comprehend, communicate, and explain rules and procedures clearly to the public.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Ability to conduct field evaluations and assessments.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously and to work independently or in a team environment as needed.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computers, printers, telephone, facsimile, calculator and copy machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in this position description 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 frequently required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference checks and job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

This position will be filled at either an Assistant Planner or Associate Planner, depending on the candidate's qualifications.

Assistant Planner Pay Range: $49,382 - $56,375
Associate Planner Pay Range: $54,309 - $62,067

• Note: The City of Oshkosh is currently undergoing a pay & class study. Pending council approval, hiring range for this position may increase.