Position: 525-002 – PLANNER
Salary: $64,138.36 – $78,663.98 yearly
For more information, click here.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Planner is a position of moderate difficulty in the community and economic development department. Under the guidance of senior Planning staff, this position is responsible for carrying out planning functions or projects that involve a range of skills in research, analysis, development, presentation, and interpretation of concepts and data related to planning and plan implementation. This position is distinguished from the Assistant Planner position because it involves professional- level duties and judgment, and fewer routine administrative tasks.
The city employs two Planner positions, with responsibilities distributed among the positions based on the department’s needs. Each Planner may be assigned primary responsibilities in one or more areas, including but limited to, supporting the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), assisting with Land Development processes and reviews, supporting grants and program development, and/or performing other duties as assigned. The specific duties for the role will be tailored to the skills and expertise of the selected candidate, while also considering the collective skill set of our team of planners.
This Planner position being hired at this time will principally support the Senior Planner and Planning Director with tasks related to the federal EDA Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, “Recompete.” The position will coordinate with the project team, including the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), the City of Allentown, and the federal Recompete program staff, to ensure all grant activities and reimbursable payments are coordinated, compliant, and reported on schedule. The position will also support the City of Allentown Recompete team coordinate with Recompete Program partners, sub awardees, and community groups.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is subject to technical review through the evaluation of reports and general support. General oversight is usually received from the Senior Planner and/or Chief Planner and reports to the Planning Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The specific duties for the role will be tailored to the unique skills and expertise of the selected candidate, while also considering the collective skill set of our team of planners.
– If assigned to the Recompete Program, the responsibilities include managing invoices and payments, processing reimbursements, and maintaining accurate financial records. The Planner will assist with quarterly and annual reporting and verify compliance with federal and local guidelines.
– If assigned to the Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB), duties include providing support to the HARB, facilitating the HARB meetings, coordinating staff reports, and conducting all required post-meeting follow-up. The position will partner with Building Standards and Safety to process all code enforcement violations within the Historic Districts. The position will coordinate with the HARB consultant to evaluate all Certificates of Appropriateness and other historic reviews.
– Coordinates and/or completes staff-level Certificates of Appropriateness, street vacation requests, minor land development, and other proposals
– Provides Section 106 reviews of projects assisted with federal funds
– May be asked to serve as the Review Coordinator for the Land Development process
– Collects a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, occupancy rates, and other data sets as assigned
– Operates computer-based electronic platforms for receiving and tracking projects and contracts managed by the Planning Bureau
– Participates and/or helps organize effective and meaningful community engagement events for the Planning Bureau.
– Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
– Coordinates community review of public and private development projects
– Provides information to the public regarding development regulations
– Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues
– Conducts field evaluations and assessments
– Attends evening meetings
– Performs other duties as assigned
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
– Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
– Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation, grants, community and/or economic development is desired
– Skills in creating, managing, and tracking budgets, processing invoices, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines
– Knowledge of computer programs and applications, including Microsoft 365 and GIS software. Experience and/or ability to learn EnerGov and Eden.
– Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
– Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
– Ability to create computer graphics is highly desirable.
– Effective written and verbal communication skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
– Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in urban planning or related field, preferably possession of a master’s degree in planning, historic preservation, architecture, engineering or closely related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
– 1+ year minimum of planning or related experience
– Some experience in using planning and design-related software such as Arc GIS, ArcUrban, Adobe InDesign or a strong desire to learn relevant programs.
– Willingness to seek American Institute of Certified Planning (AICP) status.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
– Requires intensive daily use of personal computer. Occasional use of digital camera, scanner, and plotter.
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
– While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, computer, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Frequent walking is required.
– The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
– The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
– The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Employees are required to drive and occasionally visit project /construction sites, and/or conduct neighborhood visual surveys.
– Attendance at various evening meetings in and out of City Hall is required.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
– Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
– The duties listed above 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 position.
– The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.