Associate Planner / GIS Specialist

City of Kenner Civil Service Department; Kenner (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kenner Civil Service Department is seeking a GIS-focused planner to manage GIS data, produce maps, and support zoning and planning functions. The role requires collaboration with the Planning Department and public outreach for zoning cases.

The candidate will prepare GIS reports, assist in developing master and sub-level plans, and support planning projects using ESRI software and MS Office tools. A strong background in urban planning and GIS is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, urban studies, or city planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field or two years GIS experience if using other master’s option.
• Two years GIS experience if using Bachelor’s degree option.

Responsibilities

• Maintain GIS data and geodatabases for the Planning Department.
• Produce maps and graphics for reports and public presentations.
• Assist in GIS project management and software upkeep.
• Interpret zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans for public and staff.
• Provide technical reports to Planning and Zoning bodies.

Skills

GIS analysis

Map creation

Data entry

Communication

Education

Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning

Master’s in Urban Studies

Master’s in City Planning

Bachelor’s in GIS or related field

Tools

ESRI GIS software

Adobe

Microsoft Office

Job description

ONE CURRENT VACANCY IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.

35 HOURS/WEEK

Under general supervision, performs planning and technical duties associated with program development for the Planning Department. Work involves furnishing professional planning services including participating in the preparation of master or sub-level plans; updating the Unified Development Code; meeting with prospective applicants to explain the application process; preparing zoning reports and conducting application reviews; assist the department in supporting the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustments, and Historic District Design Commission; preparing GIS data, maps, reports, graphics, and specialized queries in support of the various functions within the Planning Department; leading planning projects using GIS; assist in producing graphic and tabular products to support planning reports and public presentations; producing custom maps for Planning Department cases, and for other departments needing spatial data from the Planning Department; assembling source material; performing database data entry; creating and maintaining Planning Department GIS geodatabases; designing and developing statistical applications and reports as it pertains to planning; and adapting other data types. Reports to the Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintains Planning Department GIS data and associated geodatabases (edits, updates existing data in both shapefiles and databases).
• Produces maps for internal and external customers as needed or requested.
• Participates in software acquisition and installation of GIS products.
• Uses a variety of computer software such as ESRI suite of GIS products, Adobe, and Microsoft Office, among other packages.
• Reviews submitted applications for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
• Provides zoning determinations of lots for the public and other departments.
• Researches the history of lots for re-subdivisions and zoning changes, as needed.
• Prepares the maps and graphics for the zoning reports for cases requiring public hearing.
• Interprets the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan for the public and other departments as needed.
• Meets with prospective applicants seeking resubdivisions, conditional uses, planned unit developments, etc., to explain the process from application submittal through public hearing at the City Council.
• Reviews applications to ensure compliance with approved plans, ordinances, and any regulations (State, local, and Federal) that may apply.
• Works with the Director and Assistant Director to provide technical reports relating to the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code.
• Assists the Director and Assistant Director as staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustments, and Historic District Design Commission.
• Provides legal descriptions and lot information.
• Maintains and administers assigned software.
• Operates a variety of office equipment such as a copy machine, telephone, computer, scanner, printer, etc.
• Uses a variety of tools such as a scale, standard office tools, etc.; a variety of supplies such as paper, foam core board, general office supplies, etc.; and a variety of computer software such as ESRI suite of GIS products, Adobe, and Microsoft Office, among other packages.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as Director, Assistant Director, applicants, other departments, administration, surveyors, and the general public.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Answers the office telephone.
• Monitors the front desk/window to assist the general public.
• Provides graphics for City Administration.
• Scans and copies oversize prints for other departments.
• Troubleshoots programs with other employees.
• Serves as back-up for requisition entry into the computer software and for department payroll.
• Performs related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Requires a Master’s degree from an accredited university in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Studies, or City Planning;
• OR
• A Master’s degree in another related field or a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Studies, or City Planning plus two (2) years of planning experience in a private sector, County or Municipal Planning Department that included significant (approximately one (1) year) of GIS experience.
• OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems or a related field plus two (2) years of GIS experience.
• Must possess and/or obtain a current, valid Louisiana driver’s license.

Test Required: ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE . . . . ... . . . . . Weighted 100%