Job Title: Planning Director
Location: 3101 Goodman Rd, Horn Lake, MS
Department: Planning & Development
Hours: Full Time
Job Description:
City of Horn Lake
Job Description – Planning Director
Purpose of Position
Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Planning Department, provide guidance to the Mayor and Board concerning planning and zoning issues facing the city and develop and implement policies, plans and ordinances regarding planning and zoning.
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department to include Code Enforcement.
Oversee departmental employees’ work to assure that all tasks are handled in a timely manner.
Make decisions on administrative changes
Set goals for the department
File, type and answer telephone when needed
Serve as City Planner
Develop policies to determine how and where the City will grow
Work with applicants to encourage efficient development of site plans and subdivisions
Review and update the comprehensive plan for the city
Consult with clients regarding proposed rezoning, planned developments and variances
Explain procedural steps for developments and rezoning
Negotiate access, buffering and other issues with commercial and residential developers
Provide information about applicable laws, regulations and ordinances
Correct past problems, when possible
Work on special assignments as directed by the Mayor and the Board
Write ordinances dealing with zoning, subdivisions and building construction, growth management and other related issues
Recommend changes in current ordinances to maintain development standards for the city
Update city maps and files for ongoing projects
Review all plans and applications for new developments
Review plans for developments as they are received
Complete site inspections around the city
Conduct land use evaluations of all proposed development sites
Work with the City Engineer to discuss issues concerning subdivisions and streets
Issue building permits
Assist builder with completing permit forms
Calculate valuation of construction and appropriate permit fee
Issue receipt for permit fee
Issue permit
Give checks and cash to Planning Secretary for processing
Answer questions and complaints from citizens and developers
Take complaint or question from caller or field personnel
Answer questions if possible or refer to appropriate personnel
Check validity of complaint and make recommendation to resolve the problem
Perform administrative functions as required
File permits, plans, blueprints and other materials
Write reports and recommendations
Review and approve time sheets for all departmental employees
Perform the duties of all Planning Department personnel, to include Code Enforcement, as necessary.
Perform other duties as directed
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge
City land use ordinances
Code Enforcement
Municipal processes
Reading site plans
Legal court cases in planning field and speech rights
Fundamental Land Use Principles
Transportation planning
Municipal financial from planning perspective
Housing information trends such as materials, roads and sidewalk ordinances
General Municipal Infrastructure
How to develop goals and objectives for physical development of city
The operations of zoning and subdivision standards
Design, architecture, trees, plan material, engineer, sociology and anthropology
OSHA standards and regulations concerning employee safety
Federal and state statues concerning the work of the department
Mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
General function and operations of municipal government
Skills and Abilities
Public Speaking
Computer knowledge
Organization skills
Prioritize daily work flow
Work as a team member with other employees
Meet specified or required deadlines
Make decisions within specified time restraints
Communicate effectively with residents, elected officials, other City employees, etc., both oral and written
Maintain confidentiality
Able to visualize future implications
Work autonomously when necessary
Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions
Maintain professional composure in heated situations
Develop, implement and follow departmental and City procedures
Comply with stormwater requirements and ensure that proper inspections are completed for all projects. For larger projects (if needed) coordinate with Neel Schaffer Engineering.
Job Context
The Planning Director is a full-time, permanent position in the Planning Department. The immediate supervisor for this position is the Mayor. The person in this position is supervised on a weekly basis, and supervises three full-time employees. The Planning Director works regularly-scheduled hours year-round, with frequent overtime and night work to attend Board and Commission meetings. 80% of the work for this position is indoors; 20% is outdoors and may require work done in all types of weather conditions. The position has accountability for monetary, fiscal, budgetary, safety and legal issues related to the work for which this position is responsible.
There is no exposure to chemicals and/or hazardous materials. The person in this position must have a valid driver’s license, preferably a Master’s degree in Urban Planning or equivalent, and at least five years of experience. AICP Certification is recommended. The stress level associated with this position is high. Physical work involved with this position includes typing, walking around project sites and up and down stairs.
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