Principal Planner

City of Tuscaloosa; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Urban Development Manager to oversee city planning and zoning efforts. This role involves managing the Planning and Zoning Commission, conducting site inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in community planning, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to guide public discussions on land use. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to enhancing urban development and making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, or related field required.
• Three years of experience in community planning and zoning or public administration.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns.
• Conducts site inspections to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.

Skills

Community Planning

Zoning Regulations

Project Management

Public Administration

Interpersonal Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Urban Planning

Master’s in Urban Planning

Tools

GIS Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The purpose of this classification is to perform managerial and administrative work functions associated with city planning and zoning within the Office of Urban Development. Manages the Planning and Zoning Commission, and provides support services to code enforcement personnel, regulatory agencies, and the public regarding the city’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulations.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff; processes employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining and completing employee performance appraisals.

May serve as director in his/her absence, specifically: attending City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Historic Preservation Commission meetings, conducting public hearings, and signing plats.

Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of current planning practices and land use regulatory case law; reviews professional journals/publications related to the same.

Conducts sites visits and takes pictures for Planning and Zoning Commission cases; communicates with and assists the public in submittal requirements for review; reviews digital and non-digital submittals for compliance and accuracy; writes staff reports, legal notices, and recommendations for agendas and cases; attends and assists in meetings with the Planning and Zoning Commission and other boards and commissions as needed; prepares and presents staff reports on cases.

Assists in the preparation of the City's comprehensive, specific and area plans and land use regulatory ordinances; projects long-range demographic, economic, and trends influencing land use, transportation needs, parks, utilities, housing and institutional frameworks; recommends community development plans.

Counsels, coordinates, and corresponds with other departments, other agencies and the public on matters concerning land use and development; writes zoning verification letters and responds to public records requests when required; answers phone calls, responds to emails, assists walk-in customers, and handles general questions; communicates verbally and in writing with a high degree of professionalism.

Conducts meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, builders, property owners, and the public as needed; provides direction, guidance, and assistance regarding city ordinance to the public, land surveyors, engineers, developers, etc., troubleshooting problem situations by researching issues in applicable ordinances as needed.

Reviews architectural drawings, engineering drawings, plan revisions, specifications, and related construction documents; reviews permit applications; verifies compliance of construction plans with all applicable codes, ordinances, standards, and other requirements; identifies non-compliance issues and corrections required for plans to achieve compliance with codes; ensures necessary corrections are made to plans and meet compliance prior to issuance of permits; issues permits for approved applications; signs code compliance forms for business licenses when needed.

Conducts site inspections of buildings and properties to ensure compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and approved construction plans, coordinating field inspections with staff and other city departments.

Conducts research of department files, legal records, database records, electronic data sources, internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Develops, maintains and interprets zoning regulations; prepares and recommends approval of revised and updated zoning regulations; oversees the enforcement of zoning regulations.

Creates, revises, updates, and maintains digital data and databases used to create maps and/or spreadsheets, which includes Tuscaloosa city limits, police jurisdiction, planning jurisdiction, council districts, census tracts, and miscellaneous department-related maps.

Researches and analyzes policies and procedures in other communities and organizations and uses judgment to identify best practices, innovative ideas, and strategies to improve department operations.

Prepares letters, memos, resolutions, press releases, legal notices, proclamations, statistical tables, applications, reports, etc. to provide information, obtain approvals, and/or request assistance; forwards to appropriate agencies and maintains related files.

Processes documentation pertaining to payroll and personnel; completes, reviews, approves and/or forwards; maintains records.

Provides assistance to the Office of the City Attorney and Codes and Development Services Division in prosecuting zoning violation cases; appears in court as an expert witness as required.

Attends conferences, meetings, and workshops.

Takes photographs of department projects and related areas.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, and managers.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in a timely manner.

Performs other related duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field preferred; three years of experience in community planning and zoning, program management, public administration or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Supervisory experience preferred. Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field preferred; three years of experience in community planning and zoning, program management, public administration or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Supervisory experience preferred. Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.