Classifieds

JOB DEFINITION:

The position of Planning and Zoning Planner/GIS Specialist involves a range of specialized and responsible tasks related to urban development. The individual in this role will handle general planning functions on behalf of the City and provide support within the department, including assisting the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Responsibilities include monitoring and recording incoming plans and applications. The incumbent is expected to work independently during emergencies or crisis situations.

As a GIS Specialist, this position is responsible for creating and displaying materials from GIS data, conducting system analysis, developing programming, maintaining databases, and updating the Geographic Information System (GIS) data necessary for specific tasks. This role operates under the supervision of the Building Official.

Range: $44,865.60-$78,270.40 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Researches and projects long-range demographic, economic, and trends influencing land use, transportation needs, parks, utilities, housing, and institutional frameworks; recommends community development plans.
• Prepares comprehensive plans or portions thereof for neighborhoods and the entire city, including zoning, land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and recreation.
• Acts as primary land use enforcement officer for the City, enforcing the zoning and subdivision regulations, assisting the Building Official and Code Enforcement Officer/Fire Marshal.
• Develops, maintains, and interprets zoning regulations; prepares and recommends approval of revised and updated zoning and subdivision regulations to the Building Official.
• Provides support services to code enforcement personnel, regulatory agencies, and the public regarding zoning and subdivision regulations, mobile home park regulations, and corresponds with the general public with regard to the regulations.
• Reviews site plans, subdivision plans, and development plans for compliance with regulations and the comprehensive plan.
• Refers to department operating procedures, administrative policies and procedures, regulations and standards, reference manuals, and other sources in performing assigned duties.
• Coordinates, consults, and assists Information Technology Department staff with GIS-related problems, data, and available information; analyzes present GIS and identifies ways to improve digital data distribution, data output, and needed hardware/software updates; coordinates computer work with computer draftsman using GIS and CAD software.
• Research grants available to the city and make recommendations; prepare grant proposals; prepare budgets for grants; administer various grants.
• Gathers, generates, compiles, and consolidates city demographic data; creates and updates related maps and/or reports.
• Prepares forms, contracts, plans, grant proposals, records, correspondence, and maps; processes, records, updates, forwards, and maintains documents.
• Receives forms, plans, proposals, requests, records, blueprints, correspondence, maps, and other documents; reviews, processes, responds, forwards, and maintains.
• Plans, schedules, and conducts public hearings to exchange information, identify problems, and develop goals.
• Consults with supervisors, regulatory agency personnel, engineers, contractors, architects, and other agency officials to review departmental operations, discuss problems, coordinate activities, develop long-term plans, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction.
• Conducts field inspections with Building Official, Building Inspector, Engineers, Developers, and other city departments
• Responds to questions and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, employees, officials, or other persons regarding ordinances, regulations, and census data.
• Reviews census data once every ten years and challenges; reviews city council/mayor election every four years; reapportions city council districts.
• Coordinates with property owners and other city departments concerning annexations; conducts related title searches; assists in preparing annexation petitions.
• Trains staff members on computer system/software use; develops and upgrades needed software programs and computer hardware.
• Attends City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Board of Zoning Adjustments meetings as needed.
• Maintains an awareness of new trends/advances in the profession; attends workshops and training sessions.
• 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.
• Perform administrative work in any aspect of public administration as the planner, including the issuance of permits, scheduling inspections, work orders, and computing fees for water and sewer.
• Responsible for assisting the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustments.
• Monitor progress of ongoing and special projects.
• Photocopy material requiring sorting, compiling, and distribution.
• Perform added duties and exercise other powers as may be delegated from time to time by the City Manager, City Clerk, or Building Official.
• Maintain community floodplain management files, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) files, building permits, variances, FEMA Map records and revisions (LOMC’s), and elevation certificates.
• Conducts research to ensure correct platting of property. Develop and maintain data files and records for GIS data for all departments.
• Familiarity with industry-specific terminology and symbology such as fire, water, wastewater, street, and planning and zoning.
• Utilizes GIS software and techniques to perform specialized spatial analysis to produce data layers, maps, tables, and reports to County departments, public agencies, consultants, and the general public.
• Conducts research to ensure correct use of property in accordance with land use regulations and comprehensive plan.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of GIS files and records management.
• Provides technical and administrative assistance to the county GIS program.
• Maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, County employees, and the public.
• Performs any other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration in general, City Ordinances, an application of codes of the Building Department in particular.
• Working knowledge of the geography of the Building Department’s jurisdiction area.
• Ability to perform work through specific and general delegation by Building Official with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.
• Skill in working within deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Ability to plan and organize work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidential files in a timely, efficient, and orderly fashion.
• Writing skills to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Fluent in written and oral communication.
• Ability to meet the public and discuss problems and complaints tactfully, courteously, and effectively.
• Ability to accept lines of authority; promote harmony; and cooperate with other staff and officials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, the local business community, and the general public.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally, and in writing.
• Knowledge of GIS applications and data exchange requirements.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, and trends in GIS usage as applied to municipal government organizations.
• Competent ability to use a personal computer and associated peripherals, such as Microsoft, Database, and internet use.
• Specific ability to operate ArcGIS in constructing polygons, using coordinate geometry.
• Skill in interpreting land descriptions, maps, drawings, charts, plans, survey records, and aerial photos.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field required;
• Must have four years of experience in project coordination, comprehensive planning, historic preservation, dealing with zoning regulations and the ability to read plans, and/or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job.
• Must be CAPZO certified.
• Must possess the computer skills necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, preferably in Microsoft Windows® systems and applications, and ESRI/Arc GIS 10.0 and above software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record suitable for insurability.
• Must be willing to work non-standard hours and overtime as required.
• Must be willing to travel overnight to attend continuing education courses and workshops.
• Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE/PROCEDURE:

1. Complete application files must be received at the City Hall. This position will remain open until filled.

2. A complete file consists of:

• A current City of Pell City employment application
• Current resume [Note: Resume, when required, should address how the applicant has fulfilled the qualifications, required and preferred (if applicable), listed on this job announcement]

3. The City of Pell City may extend the application deadline to ensure an adequate pool of qualified applicants. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications, will not be considered

4. Applicant may be required to submit employment verifications from current and prior employers prior to job offer being made

5. Application forms may be downloaded at our website: www.pellcity.gov or City Hall and should be returned to: