City Planning Assistant: Zoning & Development

Wayne State University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness program

Employee Discounts

Job summary

City of Grand Rapids is seeking a planning professional to assist with zoning and master plan initiatives, provide counter and phone support, and prepare materials for Planning Commission meetings.

You will collaborate with developers and city staff, analyze land use data, ensure compliance with ordinances, and help interpret regulations for public inquiries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field.
• Some related work experience which could be satisfied through an internship or directly related project.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide counter and phone assistance to respond to public inquiries regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances.
• Assist higher planners on urban planning projects; analyze data on land use, population and housing; assist in census analysis.
• Research zoning regulations affecting neighborhoods; draft responses for developers; participate in meetings with property owners and developers.
• Prepare supporting materials for presentation at planning and zoning meetings; respond to questions and research answers for later presentation.
• Coordinate with Code Compliance to compile data and provide reports and records.
• Communicate with developers, engineers, design professionals, city officials, and the public on land use and zoning.
• Assist with building permit and land use site plan reviews to ensure compliance with Planning Commission and Board stipulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Math basics

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

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The purpose of this job is to assist the public at counter and over the phone to interpret and administer the zoning ordinance. Works with developers and prepares cases for review by the Planning Commission. Performs various outreach efforts regarding planning and zoning, including plan and permit review and approval and other tasks as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides counter and phone assistance to respond to public inquiries regarding applications and interpretations of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Development Regulations and Ordinances
• Assists higher planners on assigned projects or portions of projects involving a variety of urban planning projects; including the City's master plan; compiles and analyzes data on current conditions and trends such as land use, population and housing; assists in census analysis; prepares statistical data as required
• Performs research on zoning regulations which impact various neighborhoods within the City; assists in drafting responses to developers' questions concerning zoning matters; participates in meetings with property owners and developers; reviews plans for conformance with regulations
• Assists in the preparation of supporting materials for presentation at various planning and/or zoning meetings; responds to questions from meeting participants and researches answers for later presentation; prepares documentation to support departmental position on diverse matters
• Works with Code Compliance division staff to compile data and provide various reports and records for documentation purposes, accountability and future reference
• Communicates with developers, engineers, design professionals, city administrators, regulatory agencies, and the public in regard to land use and zoning
• Assists with building permit and land use site plan reviews to ensure that zoning requirements and decisions/stipulations of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Commission are being incorporated in the land development and use process
• May perform drafting duties using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) tools or traditional methods; submits projects for review to a senior level planner
• Provides intern guidance
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field

--AND--

• Some related work experience which could be satisfied through the completion of an internship or directly related project

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Other Necessary Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• State statutes and municipal ordinances which apply to municipal planning in Grand Rapids
• Census procedures and the application of demographics to municipal planning
• Zoning case law and past precedents
• Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan.
• City and departmental priorities

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
• Verbal and written communication

Ability to:

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Apply, or learn Computer Aided Drafting procedure
• Perform research and to accurately represent the City's position in regards to the municipal ordinances as they apply to the master plan and zoning regulations
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Prepare accurate reports and figures
• Explain complex site and building issues
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Make moderate discretionary decisions and interpretations of ordinance

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.