Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline

Urban Planner I

Number of Vacancies: 1

Recruitment #210603-000611-001

Nature Of Work

Employees in this class participate in a variety of professional program or project planning and grants writing activities which impact municipal development and resource allocation processes. Knowledge of urban design and form-based code practices is expected prior to employment in this class.

Employees are afforded an opportunity to develop that knowledge and strengthen analytical and cognitive skills through a variety of assignments. Tasks are of average difficulty and include reviewing building plans for compliance with overlay and special district requirements. The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment is required in the reviewing of building plans and development applications, and implementing general municipal administrative procedures. 

Work is performed under general supervision, with technical guidance provided by higher level staff during all phases of activities, and reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and plans reviewed.

Examples of Duties

Collects, assimilates, and assists in analysis and interpretation of data and indicators regarding municipal conditions

Attends and participates in meetings and public hearings assists in the presentation of recommendations regarding plans and other proposals to various municipal officials; attends and participates in meetings of various planning committees

Coordinates and reviews assigned projects/activities to ensure that standards are being satisfied; maintains research information and updates files; prepares and coordinates documentation. 

General zoning counseling; reviewing of building permits for compliance with urban design and special district criteria; the review of proposed development plans for compliance with urban design and special district criteria; review and processing possible code enforcement violations.

Review site plans for compliance with land development regulations.

Explain zoning regulations to the general public and assist them through the application process in filing requests through the land development office.

Attend Development Compliance meetings and explain Zoning Code issues.

Prepares plans or portions thereof for neighborhoods and the entire city including zoning, land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, recreation and urban design.

Projects long-range demographic, economic, and social trends influencing land use, transportation needs, parks, utilities, housing and institutional frameworks; recommends community development plans.

Creates, revises, updates, and maintains digital data and databases used to create maps and/or spreadsheets

Conducts best practices research as needed in support of planning initiatives.

May research grants available to the city and make recommendations and prepare grant proposals.

Plans, schedules, and conducts and/or attends public meetings to exchange information, identify problems, and develop goals.

May assist in preparing and conducts public presentations.

Responds to questions and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, employees, officials or other persons regarding plans, community trends and conditions, and regulations.

Maintains an awareness of new trends/advances in the profession. Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day to day activities.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of: urban design criteria; architectural standards; form-based codes; general zoning regulations; municipal government administrative procedures; computer skills and digital data management; sound time management work methods.

Ability to: review and process building plans; review and comment on proposed development plans; review, comment and present on alleged code violations; collect, assimilate, analyze, and interpret data and draw sound conclusions; prepare oral and/or written reports and impart them effectively; formulate sound recommendations and present them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, municipal officials, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, sociology, geography, or related field and three (3) years of experience in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field;  or an associate’s degree in planning, public administration, sociology, geography or related field and five (5) years of experience in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of a valid drivers license may be required.

Examination

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Comments

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

Conclusion

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.