Description

Purpose of Job
Promotes high-quality development and growth of the City of Springfield by performing advanced professional, administrative, and clerical 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. Provides information and assistance to developers, contractors, and the general public regarding zoning issues.
4. Meets with individuals regarding proposed developments.
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. Reviews subdivision plats and site plans.
8. Provides staff support for the City of Springfield Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Board of Mayor and Aldermen. 
9. Assists with administering and coordinating planning activities, developing policies and procedures, and developing budgetary programs and resources.
10. Develops and manages data entry, analysis, and report creation of a database for socio-economic characteristics, population statistics, and land use information. 
11. Serves as the staff liaison for the Board of Zoning Appeals and receives conditional use and variance applications for the board. 

 Other Job Duties

1. Assists the Planning Supervisor with maintaining and updating the zoning ordinance. 
2. Attends various meetings and serves on committees.
3. Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external audiences.
4. Monitors all open project submittals and department planning/zoning projects.
5. 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, and city municipal codes.
4. Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations tactfully.
5. Ability to perform professional planning work at an advanced level.
6. Ability to make decisions quickly and in accordance with city, state, and departmental policies.
7. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and aerial photographs.
9. Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
10. Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly, both orally and in writing.
11. Ability to use the required computer equipment, software, and audiovisual equipment.
12. Ability to operate and maintain the required vehicular equipment.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, city departments, and the general public.
14. Ability to supervise other employees.

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.