Community Planner

First Tennessee Development District; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional development agency in Johnson City is seeking a Community Planner to ensure local ordinances and community development plans comply with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Planning or related fields, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with varied stakeholders. Responsibilities include reviewing local government recommendations and providing training for planning commissions. This position offers a pivotal role in shaping our community's development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Professional planning certification is highly desirable.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review and communicate recommendations to local governments.
• Assist with annual continuing education and training for Planning Commissions.
• Maintain knowledge regarding Public Chapter 1101 of 1998.

Skills

Knowledge of state policies and regulations

Ability to formulate regional strategies

Strong oral and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business, Geography, or related field

Tools

Personal computers and relevant software applications

Job description

Position Title: Community Planner Pay Plan

Reports To: Director of Economic Development, Planning and Housing Initiatives

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Under the direction of the Director of Economic Development, Planning and Housing Initiatives, review and communicate recommendations to local governments in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner to ensure that ordinances, regulations, and community development plan reviews comply with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Prepare new ordinances and regulations as needed and draft amendments to existing ordinances and regulations when warranted.
2. Assist with annual continuing education and training for Planning Commissions and Boards of Zoning Appeals in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-3-101, 13-4-101, 13-7-106, and 13-7-205. Provide ongoing training to local government officials and other planning entities.
3. Maintain knowledge of and aid local governments regarding Public Chapter 1101 of 1998 (Growth Policy Act), including Urban Growth Boundaries, Planned Growth Areas, and Rural Areas.
4. Keep the Director of Economic Development, Planning and Housing Initiatives informed of plans, programs, and activities.
5. Testify in court as an expert witness when required.
6. Represent FTDD at job-related conferences, seminars, and workshops as assigned.
7. Always represent FTDD in a professional manner.
8. Comply with FTDD Personnel Rules and Regulations, as amended.
9. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of and understanding of processes required for local governments to comply with state policies and regulations related to community development and land use planning.
• Ability to formulate regional strategies and programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, contractors, surveyors, engineers, elected officials, community agencies, and colleagues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of national environmental review procedures preferred.
• Proficiency in personal computers and relevant software applications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Business, Geography, or a related field.
• Professional planning certification is highly desirable.
• Significant job‑related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.