Chief Staff Planner

Job Description:

Chief Staff Planner

Description

Description

Vacancy is in the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Development Services. Under general direction, assists the Division Director in the administration of the City’s Planning and Zoning Division by coordinating, supervising and providing technical support for the City’s planning and zoning activities. Assists with long-term planning and development efforts; and ensures compliance with state and local laws and regulations. May act for the Division Director in their absence as directed. Performs and oversees professional plan reviews of complex projects. May assist the Division Director with the coordination and oversight of the work of professional, technical and administrative staff as related to plan review, historic preservation, planning and zoning commission reporting, zoning board of appeals and wetlands review as directed. Plans, supervises and participates in research activities and in the compilation and analysis of complex planning data and makes recommendations relating to planning and zoning activities. May participate in or oversee specialized planning functions, including, but not limited to, large-scale new development proposals, transportation planning initiatives, and planning studies. May be required to attend and represent the City at commission, staff, public events relating to the work of the Planning Division, and other meetings, as directed.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.

This is a HMEA Union position. The hours of work are 40 per week and the above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
Incumbent(s) performs and oversees the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge related to all areas of current and advanced planning and zoning functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices, technical legal issues and research methods of urban renewal, zoning and city planning.
  
• Federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, and regulations governing urban renewal, zoning and city planning.
  
• Complex development, land use and site plan reviews, including historic and wetlands review practices.
  
• Zoning, wetlands and historic preservation.
  
• Recent development, current literature and sources of information relating to municipal planning and administration.
  
• Research methods and procedures involved in assembling, analyzing and interpreting complex statistical data.
  
• Principles of supervision, training and performance management and evaluation.
  
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
  
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentations, mapping and database management.
  

Ability to:

• Manage, direct, coordinate and supervise the work of professional, technical and administrative personnel.
  
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and presents administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner and prepare clear and concise reports.
  
• Effectively administers a variety of land use, zoning and development programs and activities.
  
• Research, interpret and apply federal, state and local law, policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Recommends modifications or changes to local codes, ordinances and procedures to reflect best practices.
  
• Recommends and implements goals, objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
  
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local, state and federal officials and the general public.
  
• Interact with a diverse population.
  
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college with major coursework in planning, public or business administration, architecture, political science, law or a closely related field; AND four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban development or planning, at least one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

A Master’s Degree in Planning from an accredited college recognized by the American Institute of Planners may be substituted for part of the experience requirements.

A COPY OF YOUR DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED TO OUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

A COPY OF YOUR LICENSE MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a city physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
  
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
  
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
  
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.
  

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred : Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
  
• Veteran's Preference Form : Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
  
• American With Disabilities Act : The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
  
• An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employe r : The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
  

Salary:

$83,196.36 - $106,966.86 Annually