Description

Purpose of Job
Promotes high-quality development and growth of the City of Springfield by performing advanced professional, planning and supervisory work in the fields of planning, land use, and zoning. 
Essential Job Duties

1. Interprets and applies city ordinances, regulations, policies, and master development plans to subdivisions, landscaping, site development, or other relevant areas.
2. Reviews and responds to public inquiries regarding zoning, subdivisions, site plan reviews, and other related planning issues.
3. Serves as project manager, overseeing and monitoring planning projects through all phases from application filing date to the construction completion date including evaluating plans, drafting contracts, collection of fees, and coordinating with all stakeholders.
4. Supervises activities of planning technical and/or clerical staff.
5. Researches, analyzes, interprets, and coordinates annexation and land use plans.
6. Prepares ordinances and resolutions to conduct the business of the city and the department.
7. Provides staff support to the City of Springfield Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other meetings.
8. Prepares and posts agendas, minutes, memorandums, and staff reports.
9. Develops and manages data entry, analysis, and report creation of a database for socio-economic characteristics, population statistics, and land use information. 
10. Presents to the Planning Commission in a public televised setting and serves in an advisory role while conveying an understanding of development challenges; advises the Planning Commission regarding annexation, zoning change, and land use topics. 
11. Presents cases to Board of Zoning Appeals and provides professional guidance. 
12. Advises the public regarding zoning district boundaries, the corporate limits, development requirements and procedures, and the appeals and amendment procedures. 
13. Evaluates compliance with zoning and other city ordinances by visual on-site inspections and investigations.  
14. Confers with potential Board of Zoning Appeals applicants to discuss application process and zoning requirements. 
15. Reviews building permit applications for zoning compliance. 
16. Investigates possible violations of the city's zoning ordinance; enforces the city's zoning ordinance as needed.

Other Job Duties

1. Assists with maintaining and updating the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and comprehensive growth plan. 
2. Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external audiences.
3. Enters and/or updates pertinent information in computerized database systems.  
4. Facilitates and manages the Board/Commission meetings by ensuring they are recorded/videoed.
5. Assists in budget preparation and administration.
6. Performs other related work as required.

Primary Job Challenges

1. Maintaining a working knowledge of all facets of community development operations and current federal and state land use law.
2. Interpreting municipal code, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulations.
3. Adjusting to the diversity of planning competencies necessary to function in a small/mid-size city.
4. Ensuring that the City of Springfield is up to date with current technology and changing industry trends.
5. Researching assigned planning and zoning projects.
6. Performing related intergovernmental cooperative work with local government, state, and federal agencies.
7. Maintaining a positive public image for the city and the department. 

Equipment Operated

1. Personal computer with Microsoft Office, tablet, and associated planning application software including GIS software.
2. Audio/visual equipment and associated software.
3. An automobile and/or truck with radio transmitting and receiving capabilities for constant communication access.

Key Competencies Required

1. Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of planning, land use, and zoning.
2. Thorough knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
3. Thorough knowledge of subdivision regulations, zoning ordinances, land use, and zoning laws.
4. Knowledge of the geography, demographic, and development patterns of the City of Springfield and its surroundings.
5. Ability to supervise, train, manage, and develop employees effectively.
6. Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations tactfully.
7. Ability to perform professional planning work at an advanced level.
8. Ability to make decisions quickly and in accordance with city, state, and departmental policies.
9. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
10. Ability to read and interpret engineering and construction plans, maps, and aerial photographs.
11. Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
12. Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly, both orally and in writing.
13. Ability to use the required computer equipment, software, and audiovisual equipment.
14. Ability to operate and maintain the required vehicular equipment.
15. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, city departments, and the general public.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

1. Employee will work both indoors and outdoors and will sit, stand, stoop, walk, and lift light and heavy objects (more than 25 pounds). 
2. Employee may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and loud noises.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:  Bachelor’s Degree in urban and/or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field desired; sufficient experience in planning principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with 2-3 years of progressive experience in city planning; or a masters or advanced degree in one of the above fields or a related field and experience equivalent to one year of professional planning; or certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); or any combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required Certifications/Licenses:  Must possess a valid Class D driver license issued by the State of Tennessee.  Must pass a physical examination based on the essential functions of the job given by the city’s designated physician.