Senior Planner - Community Development Specialist (N15)

Performs professional planning and project management activities including long range and broad reaching planning studies, such as the Comprehensive Plan, revision of the zoning code, neighborhood plans, and corridor plans for various roadways or other transportation–related planning.The Senior Planner - Community Development Specialist works on large, complex development proposals, other special topics, and does related work as required including planning and managing federal and state funded housing and community development programs for the City, including neighborhood revitalization projects, programs for low- and moderate-income communities, and the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG); developing administrative practices, operating procedures, and policies for the programs to ensure regulatory compliance; coordinating partnerships to leverage state, federal and local housing, and community development resources.Processes applications for reclassifications, special exception, variance, site design, subdivision and annexation.Conducts preliminary meetings with an applicant to evaluate their site and explore options for development.Evaluates projects in terms of compliance with zoning requirements, site design standards and its compatibility with comprehensive planning goals.Evaluates project, economic, environmental and traffic impacts.Directs work by study committees and coordinates study processes.Facilitates discussions among citizens, leaders and staff and builds consensus.Researches, writes and edits planning plans and policy documents.Hires consultants and manages work contracts and budgets.Analyzes geographic information, creates maps, manages GIS.Analyzes demographic data.Prepares data reports and materials for use by the public, staff and non-profit groups.Participates in Census activities on behalf of the City.Researches and writes grant applications and manages grant funds.Performs special studies as requested by the Planning Director.Drafts memoranda and letters on planning issues, problems and questions.Manages the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals agendas, scheduling and advertising.Performs other related job duties as assigned.Education and ExperienceBachelor’s Degree or Masters Degree from an accredited university in Urban Planning or related field; and four (4) years of experience in local government planning or combination of education and experience equivalent.Special Qualifications:American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, and/or Maryland DLLR - Registered Architect, or Maryland DLLR - Licensed Landscape Architect, is preferred.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of planning practices and principles and of the socioeconomic implications of planning.Knowledge of and a good understanding of land use concepts, population density and annexation issues.Skills working with graphics and computer applications, including Microsoft and GIS applications.Ability to assist in preparing comprehensive city plans.Ability to deal effectively with citizens and groups interested in city planning.Ability to exercise judgement in problem-solving.Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes.Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD.The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:Balancing ability: sufficient to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.Crouching ability: sufficient to bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.Fingering ability: sufficient to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.Grasping ability: sufficient to apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.Handling ability: sufficient to pick, hold, or otherwise work, primarily with the whole hand.Hearing ability: sufficient to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.Mental Acuity: sufficient to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.Reaching ability: sufficient to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.Speaking ability: sufficient to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.Standing ability: Particularly for sustained periods of time.Visual ability: sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.Walking ability: sufficient to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another.WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

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