Planner I

Ensures all developments and projects meet federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, implements standards, and ensures residents are informed of projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under direct supervision, performs entry-level professional duties such as preparing recurring reports and analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing data. Employees at this level initially work under close supervision while performing duties and learning the procedures related to the assigned area of responsibility.Essential Functions:

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs plan reviews and case management providing comments and highlighting deficiencies that need to be addressed; initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations; and corresponds with developers or design professionals through written or oral communication.
• Assists with upgrades and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan, Small Area Plans, and other long-range plans.
• Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and zoning applications, including all applications in the Old Town Design District for compliance with applicable ordinances and best design practices.
• Prepares and presents cases that are required to be decided upon by Boards and Commissions, including writing and presenting formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Facilitates and participates in meetings with developers and residents to discuss proposals and requirements.
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas.
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning.
• Assists in writing a variety of ordinances relating to development regulations.
• Conducts site work, field inspections, and special project work as assigned.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's Degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, public administration, or a related field.

Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in planning or a related field.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications: Seeking candidates with 3–5 years of progressively responsible, hands-on experience in current planning.

Preferred experience includes:

• Certificate of Occupancy (CO) review and issuance
• Development application case management (review, comments, applicant coordination)
• Public outreach and engagement (meetings, presentations, responding to inquiries)

Strong candidates can work independently, manage multiple cases, and serve as a primary point of contact for applicants and the public.

Experience in a fast-paced municipal environment, including entitlement processes and CO workflows, is strongly preferred.

Career Progression: This position is part of a job family progression program. After one (1) year of successful service with the City of Lewisville, employees may be eligible for promotion to Planner II with a 10% pay increase.

Licenses and Certifications: American Institutes of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred.

Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background, pre-employment drug test. Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy. An applicant who does not possess a Texas Driver's License or proper class, will be allowed ten (10) working days after a job offer is made to obtain proper licensing.

Other Requirements: Bilingual applicants preferred. Must be able to attend evening, night, and weekend meetings. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Principles and best practices of planning; principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection; effective writing techniques; one or more planning specializations, such as economic development, transportation planning, zoning administration, or land use planning; community remediation and redevelopment process; basic knowledge of relevant Federal programs; and computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.

Skilled in: Reviewing plans and interpreting and applying provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations; applying regulations to field conditions; creating and using interactive maps; effectively managing several projects simultaneously; meeting firm deadlines; working independently and in a team environment as needed; presenting research findings to various audiences including developers, boards and commissions, and residents; gathering relevant information to creatively solve less well-defined practical problems; facilitating community workshops with varying group size; accepting responsibility for his/her actions; performing work accurately and thoroughly; following instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; communicating effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing; being punctual and attending work regularly; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran' s status, genetics, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees work occasionally in the field and may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road and/or land hazards, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  

The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Work Hours:Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm, Friday 7:30am-11:30am.