Assistant Planner – City of Allentown

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Position: 227-005 – ASSISTANT PLANNER

Department: Community and Economic Development/Planning and Zoning

Salary: $55,485.66 – $67,984.18yearly

GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs a variety of administrative, technical and entry level planning functions. Works closely to assist Planning and Zoning staff and the public on planning and zoning matters. Works closely with the Planning Commission, other departments, and the public to collect and distribute Land Development and Subdivision Applications. Works closely with Planning staff to assist with state and federal grant reporting.

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

• Provides technical and administrative support to the Planning Bureau staff and Planning Commission. Prepares all agendas, back-up materials, comment letters, and minutes for the Planning Commission. Other related responsibilities include assembling all meeting materials and completing resident notification. Task can include serving as the backup for accepting and processing all Major and Minor Land Development Applications, Subdivision Applications, and other related applications.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the Planning Bureau and other departments that implement U.S. EDA Recompete Grant funds. Tasks primarily include contract entry, expense tracking, and other administrative tasks related to grant reporting. Assembles and generates materials to support staff, satisfying grant reporting requirements.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Assists with the preparation of staff reports including data collection, research and relevant property history, including the preparation of written summaries and updates of Vision2030 and other existing plans and grants.
• Coordinates with applicants, staff, and other departments on all Planning Commission and Land Development required follow-up (i.e. Land Development Agreements).
• Assists in file management, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of necessary documents. These include, but are not limited to, files on land development, state and federal grants.
• Prepares minutes of meetings of committees served by the Planning Bureau.
• Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans.
• Provides quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to City customers, citizens and internal departments.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of city planning and community development.
• Knowledge of grants administration and accounting, including budgeting, financial reporting, compliance with funding guidelines, and oversight of grant expenditures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Knowledge or ability to learn EnerGov.
• Knowledge/familiarity with GIS preferred.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or Management, Urban Planning, Construction Management, Social Sciences or related field and one (1) year experience in planning, public policy, grant administration and/or accounting; or

• Bachelor’s Degree with 0-1 year experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

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.

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