Urban Planner I

Employees in this class participate in a variety of professional program including project planning and land development activities which impact municipal development and resource allocation processes. Knowledge of urban planning principles 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 or by receiving training in this specialized area. Tasks are of average difficulty and include collecting and analyzing data and participating in the formulation of plans relevant to municipal conditions and needs. The exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment is required in data collection, analytical tasks, plan development, plan implementation, report writing, intergovernmental relations, public engagement, 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 and reports submitted.

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.

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.

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.

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 one (1) year of experience in urban planning, land development, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Possession of a valid drivers license is required.

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

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.

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