PRINCIPAL PLANNER I- South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC)

The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) is currently seeking a PRINCIPAL PLANNER I. SARPC is a locally controlled and organized instrument of local government in Southwestern Alabama. SARPC serves the three counties of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia and twenty-nine municipalities through the provision of programs and services in community development; employment and economic development; grant writing and administration; senior and social services and transportation planning. Through its role as a resource for communication, coordination, advocacy, policy-making and technical assistance, SARPC helps facilitate the deliberation and resolution of common problems and issues of member government representatives, elected and non-profit officials and private-sector leaders throughout the South Alabama region.

Nature of Work

This is responsible planning work in the field of regional planning.

Work involves responsibility for the application for specialized knowledge of regional human services, governmental services, community development and research planning studies and programs. Work includes responsibility for the assignments requiring considerable skilled technical planning research analysis, and presentation of data. Considerable initiative and judgment is exercised in carrying out programs and projects. Work is reviewed by the Director of Planning through daily supervision, conferences and the evaluation of reports submitted.

Examples of Duties

Participants in the development of regional planning activities relating to community development, human services, social services and governmental services; participates in the development and administration of applications for Federal and State assistance or grants.

Participates in the collection and interpretation of technical and statistical information.

Provides analyses and reports to jurisdictions pertinent to various regional and local plans.

Provides liaison between the commission and specified community organizations and groups.

Carries out specific regional and local planning studies relating to socio-economic base, employment, population, housing, recreation, land use, zoning, etc.

Performs other duties assigned.

Controls Over Position

This position is immediately responsible to the Director of Community Development. Assignments to this position are made by the Director of Community Development and other supervisory staff and are specific in nature.

Applicable Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

To perform effectively in this position, the person should have:

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practice of planning as it pertains to the study, research, design, and development of comprehensive plans concerning regional, county, and urban areas.

The Ability to present ideas and technical material within the scope of this position clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

An understanding of current office practices, procedures, and equipment.

The ability to prepare drafts of graphs, charts, and graphic material in connection with work assignments.

A working knowledge of the methods of study and analysis of land usage development controls.

The ability to maintain effective working relations with the general public, fellow and subordinate staff members.

Qualifications

Graduation from a four-year college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, Geography or related field, with some academic work in or related to any of the following subjects: Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Economics, Architecture, Geography, Sociology, Landscape Architecture, Business Administration; or any combination of education and experience to demonstrate ability to satisfactorily perform in the positions.

Salary Range

$37,400.00 to $43,680.00

Interested persons should email resumes to Diane Burnett at dburnett@sarpc.org, no later than 5:00pm on July 16, 2021.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Director of Planning and Building - Pascagoula, MS

Director of Planning and Building

DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building

POSTING DATE: 05/20/2021

CLOSING DATE: 06/18/2021

SALARY RANGE: $56070.38 - $82846.56

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for developing and implementing the City’s development efforts in accordance with all applicable laws and City of Pascagoula policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Develops implements and manages work activities related to zoning and planning.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long term goals and plans for those functions.

• Represents the City on the Gulf Regional Planning Board.

• Administers and implements the City’s Unified Development Ordinance, Building Codes, Flood Hazard Prevention Ordinance, and other codes of the City of Pascagoula.

• Supervises Code Enforcement, Planning, and Building Divisions of the Department.

• Updates and maintains the Official Zoning Map.

• Adopts policies, makes recommendations and decisions, follows, and updates the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Provides recommendations to the Planning Board and City Council related to variances, rezoning, special or conditional permits, and other land use requests.

• Provides strategic and policy direction to the City in areas of rebuilding and redeveloping.

• Coordinates Site Plan Review of commercial, industrial, and residential developments within the City.

• Coordinates with staff to enforce International Code Council regulations on buildings and property to include building, electrical, and other codes and property maintenance codes.

• Ensures fiscal responsibility in assigned program areas including budget development and expenditure monitoring

• Coordinates activities with other departments, agencies, boards and the public to ensure the goals and ideas of all stakeholders are heard and considered.

• Identifies long range infrastructure planning requirements.

• Serves as the project manager on various City projects.

• Identifies and coordinates on related grant opportunities.

• Conducts plan reviews for City projects.

• Any other duties assigned by the City Manager.

The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENT:

This position directly supervises the Building Official and Code Enforcement Supervisor and subordinate staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A high school graduate or its equivalent and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, business administration, political science, finance, urban or environmental planning or a combination of education and experience that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities are required. Additional certificates such as Certified Building Official, Certified Floodplain Manager, American Institute of Certified Planners, or similar associations are preferred.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Computer proficiency in MS Word and Excel is required. A valid driver’s license is required.

LANGUAGE AND REASONING SKILL:

Ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret complex documents, instruction manuals, policies and procedures is essential. Excellent communication skills are required to effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group setting. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with others. The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential. Must have demonstrated, through prior work experience, the ability to identify and resolve complex issues/problems while adhering to an appropriate policy and procedure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work is primary sedentary and requires the ability to lift up to thirty (30) pounds. Adequate vision; finger and hand dexterity is essential to operate computer software.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This position typically performs work in both a well-lit, climate controlled, and adequately ventilated office environment as well as in a poorly lit, inadequately heated/cooled and ventilated environment. Frequent visits to construction sites necessitate observance of safe work practices and avoidance of falls, trips, and similar construction site hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The stress level for this position is high.

For more information on the position and how to apply click here.

Assistant Planner - Starkville, MS

Assistant Planner - Community Development- City of Starkville, MS

Base Pay:$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 / Year

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is professional and administrative work in the Planning Division or specialized programs, projects and tasks in the Community Development Department. Work involves preparation of and review of complex studies and projects including the City's Comprehensive Plan, transportation planning, zoning, re-zoning, and annexation studies, designs and projects.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 ·         Assists in reviewing proposed plans, projects and designs for feasibility and compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Code and other regulations; represents the planning division as an expert in area of planning; confers with local officials, community leaders, developers, and citizens regarding problems and projects within the city.

·         Performs general zoning functions such as administering planning and development applications, site plan and subdivision review, zoning verification requests, and handles difficult and complex customer services situations with the public.

·         Coordinates the preparation and updating of various comprehensive planning documents; prepares and oversees implementation of various projects and initiatives; prepares and administers grant applications for various federal and state projects; serves as liaison with various community groups.

·         Conducts research, prepares background information, compiles and interprets planning related data, assist in establishing and assessing criteria and with making decisions and recommendations regarding various planning projects; assists with site impact analysis.

·         Prepares amendments to the City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Unified Development Code, and processes them according to local regulation and state law.

·         Meets with, responds to inquiries, and provide demographic and other planning data and information to other employees, other public agencies, realtors, appraisers, private developers, engineers, architects and the general public.

·         Provides technical assistance and support to local nonprofit and for-profit organizations in establishing and implementing community development programs.

·         Assists in preparing the City's planning documents for funded programs, writing grant applications, developing contracts, monitoring sub recipients and competitive grant activities.

·         Attends various board and committee meetings, both as a source of professional information and as a leader and facilitator.

·         Present information on various processes and procedures within the Unified Development Code in a clear and concise manner to a variety of internal and external audiences.

·         Provides assistance and support to organizations such as Historic Preservation commission and/or cemetery.

·         Engages in special projects and other similar tasks.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

·         Zoning, planning and development procedures.

·         Various ordinances, laws, and regulations pertaining to all aspects of urban planning and development.

·         Microsoft Excel, Word, and ArcGIS and ability to learn new technology systems very quickly and efficiently.

Skills and Ability to:

·         Gather and analyze data and to prepare reports.

·         Ability to attend meetings of various boards and commission outside of normal work hours.

·         Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.

·         Communicate clearly, timely, and concisely orally and in writing, and to keep records and prepare reports.

·         Strong prioritization and negotiation skills

·         Ability to establish effective working relationships.

·         Deal with a variety of people in structured and unstructured situations.

·         Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

·         Follow Department and City policies and procedures operating with minimum supervision.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

·         Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Public Administration or an equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

·         Two (2) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, or Public Administration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelors in the related field or an Equivalent combination of education and training that provides the requested knowledge, Skills, and abilities for this position.

·         Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field.

·         Four (4) years of considerable experience Urban Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Public Administration.

·         American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.

·         Must be AICP certified or obtain AICP certification within 2 years or when eligible to apply.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

·         Direct deposit and social security card are required.

·         A one-year probationary period may be required.

 WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, climbing stairs, and lifting light objects. Work requires physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs and body in the operation of a computer and other office machines and equipment.

For more information on the position and how to apply click here.

City Planner- Slaughter & Associates, PLLC

Position available: City Planner

Slaughter & Associates is a private urban planning firm that specializes in city and county planning matters such as: comprehensive planning, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, sign ordinances, municipal annexation, redistricting of election districts and other planning issues.

Job Description: Urban planner with a Masters degree in City & Regional Planning. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, motivated, capable of taking instructions, and possess excellent communication skills (oral and written). The applicant must also be familiar with the preparation of comprehensive plans, other technical documents and proficient with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office. Email cover letter and resume to the contact information below.

Company: Slaughter & Associates, PLLC

Urban Planning Consultants

Oxford, Mississippi 38655

Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance, Dental/Vision plan, and retirement plan

Salary: Commensurate with education, qualifications, work experience and certifications.

Contact Information: Venessar Williams, Office Manager

Email: vwilliams@saplanners.com Oxford, Mississippi

Phone: 662.234.6970

www.saplanners.com

City of Daphne, Alabama- Request for Qualifications

The City of Daphne is seeking technical assistance and professional planning services to facilitate a community visioning and planning process which will culminate in a new 2020-2040 comprehensive master plan for the corporate limits and the extra-territorial planning jurisdiction.

The professional contractor shall possess extensive experience and skills in the preparation of sound technical studies, facilitating community engagement and the entire comprehensive and master planning process. The selected Contractor will assist the City in defining the scope of work, establishing the project timeline, facilitating City and public involvement, and producing a Comprehensive Plan that reflects the community's collective goals and visions for its future with recommendations for plan implementation.

The closing date is April 19, 2021 at 4 pm

Click here for more information.

Gulf Coast Community Design Studio- Hiring Architect/Community Planner

Position Function:

As an Architect/Community Planner for the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, the primary function of the position is to plan and manage planning-related projects or the studio. Provide exemplary planning services primarily to local and regional partners.

Salary Grade:  15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Gulf Coast Community Design Studio (GCCDS) was established on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005 to work in communities impacted by Hurricane Katrina and has evolved from disaster recovery to addressing long-term issues of community resilience. Located in Biloxi, the GCCDS is a professional outreach arm of Mississippi State University College of Architecture, Art and Design and operates with a full-time staff of architects, landscape architects and planners, always working in close collaboration with multiple non-profit, municipal and professional partners.

Area of Specialization:

Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Planning

Anticipated Appointment Date:

April 1, 2021

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manages design and planning projects for the center including project deliverables, oversee additional staff and interns as requested. Manage reporting for grants.
2. Conducts planning related research and analysis. Produce planning materials including reports, maps and other communication pieces.
3. Operate GIS and manage data for the studio.
4. Develops relationships, research grant opportunities and initiate new planning work.
5. Construct formal proposals that include scope of work, timeline and budget. Write and assemble grant applications.
6. Performs routine maintenance and updates for studio, website and blog.
7. Performs other administrative duties including inventory and ordering supplies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Professional degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture or Landscape Architecture and 2 - 5 years of planning and/or architecture experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional license in design-related discipline

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizations and planning skills
Ability to develop, plan and implement short and long range goals

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
No or very limited exposure to physical risk
No or very limited physical effort required

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Restricted Clause:

This position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

For more information and how to apply: click HERE

Gulf Coast Community Design Studio- internship opportunity

Gulf Coast Community Design Studio is hiring two Public Design Interns.

The Gulf Coast Community Design Studio is located in Biloxi, Mississippi and is a research and professional service program of Mississippi State University College of Architecture, Art and Design.  Since its establishment following Hurricane Katrina the Design Studio has worked with many local and national partners to provide planning, landscape architecture and architecture services to communities and non-profit organizations along the Gulf Coast.  The Design Studio’s work has evolved from rebuilding to long-term resiliency and is recognized as a national leader in Public Interest practice.  In 2010 the design studio created the Public Design Certificate to provide a program for interns to work on a range of community-based design projects and to get graduate level course credits for study and research in public interest design. 

The Design Studio is looking to hire two Public Design interns with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2021.  Applicants must apply online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/499655/intern.  For more information on the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio visit gccds.org.  For more information on current projects and anticipated work in 2021 please contact Kelsey Johnson at kjohnson@gccds.msstate.edu.

The Public Design Certificate program combines work experience with research and study in community-based planning and design practice.   The qualifications are a degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, or architecture.  Public Design Interns work on a range of community planning and design projects for three-quarters of the time and receive graduate level course credit from Mississippi State University for research and study for one-quarter of the time.  Interns work under the direction of Gulf Coast Community Design Studio professional staff and have many opportunities to engage in the community and work with various partner organizations.  The intern period is at least one year and can be planned for up to two years.  The aim of the program is for emerging planning and design professionals to develop practical and leadership skills along with an understanding of public interest design.    

Development Director- City of Decatur, Alabama

Development Director

CITY OF DECATUR

Decatur, AL United States

DECATUR, ALABAMA (Population: 55,683) Located in Morgan and Limestone counties in Alabama, Decatur is nestled in the Tennessee River Valley. "The River City" boasts a rich and colorful history and serves as the county seat of Morgan County. Decatur is among one of the largest cities in Alabama and its location on the Tennessee River makes it a major transportation hub in the southeast.

With a total area of approximately 60 square miles, Decatur's business climate is as progressive as it is diverse. It is home to industrial giants such as United Launch Alliance, GE Appliances, Nucor Steel, Daikin America, Indorama Ventures (a parent company to AlphaPet), J.M. Smucker Company, Toray, Bunge Limited, Hyosung, Ascend, 3M and Alabama Farmer's Co-Op.

Since 1968, the City of Decatur has been governed by a Mayor-Council form of government. The City of Decatur provides a full range of services including: Finance, Public Works, Community Development, Fire and Police Protection, Parks & Recreation, Sanitation services and general administrative services.

Decatur is a fiscally conservative driven community placing value on keeping the financial stability of the community at the forefront of their capital planning and growth. They are a value-driven organization dedicated to responsive, respectful and courteous customer service.

The Development Department is comprised of Community Development, Planning and Zoning, Building Code Enforcement and Engineering. This merger of various departments has taken place over the last few years creating a department that is robust and has the ability to continue to help the city expand and grow both residentially, commercially and industrially. The 2020 operating budget for all operations under Community Development is $6.3M and the total allocated employees is 30.

The successful Candidate will have the following qualifications and experiences:

• A bachelor's degree in a field of study conducive to success in this position (i.e. business/management/finance, urban planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field) from an accredited college or university and seven to ten years of progressively responsible senior level management experience. A master's degree is highly desirable, as is a certification or eligibility for certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

• Possess a thorough knowledge of and experiences with the principles and practices of management and leadership. Experience in, or ability to quickly adapt experiences and knowledge to urban planning, land use, building construction, zoning, subdivision regulations, historic preservation, economic development, and site development rules, regulations and ordinances in a growing, comparably sized community. Prior experience in a senior management or department head capacity is required, including development and implementation of workable solutions and technical decisions.

The anticipated hiring salary range for the position is $86,000 - $131,000 DOQ with excellent benefits. Interested candidates should apply online by February 5, 2021 with a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least five (5) professional references to GovHRJobs.com and to the attention of Sarah McKee, Senior Vice-President, GovHR USA, 630 Dundee Road, Suite 130, Northbrook, IL 60062. Tel: (224) 282-8310. All applications are subject to the Alabama Open Records Act and could be made visible to the public.

The City of Decatur is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Diversity and inclusion are critical to our success. We seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Director of Planning- City of Hernando, MS

Hernando, Mississippi is a dynamic small city located in north Mississippi. The City has been widely recognized for its high quality planning program and serves as the county seat for Desoto County, Mississippi. Hernando was recently listed as one of the best 100 small towns in America. Hernando’s planning program emphasizes a commitment to excellence in design and place making, historic preservation, planning for health, urban forestry and the natural environment. Having grown from a population of 3,200 in 1990 to over 16,000 today, the City offers a vibrant and fast paced environment with an exceptionally high quality of life.

The City is looking for a Director of Planning with proven skills to continue its success in these areas of practice. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in City Planning or directly related field and five years progressively responsible practice. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred. Compensation is dependent on qualifications.

Interested persons are invited to submit their qualifications by January 20, 2021, to Julie Harris, Human Resource Manager, 475 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 38632 or via email to jharris@cityofhernando.org. The City of Hernando is an equal opportunity employer.

Comprehensive Plan RFP - Atoka, TN

The Town of Atoka, Tennessee is seeking a qualified firm to write the Long-Range Comprehensive Plan for Atoka, Tennessee, which will guide the Town of Atoka for the next twenty years. 

To see the Request for Proposals, go to:

Request for Proposals - Long-Range Comprehensive Plan - Bid Details

CDBG Program Administrator - Dothan, AL

The City of Dothan is hiring a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Administrator. This is a senior level position responsible for the administration of the CDBG Program including the preparation of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plan, the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and subrecipient drawdowns using HUDs Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) . This position prepares the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Report, Citizen Participation Plan, manages and coordinates the activities of the Community Development Advisory Board, prepares all HUD required reports, subrecipient agreements, and budget amendments for City Commission approval and prepares environmental reviews. This position provides technical and administrative assistance to the public, subrecipients and city personnel regarding program eligibility requirements. The salary range is $59,654.40 - $95,451.20 annually, depending upon qualifications. Visit www.dothan.org to apply.