HomeMy WebLinkAboutAssociate Planner - Urban PlanningUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Associate Planner - Urban Planning
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Senior Planner
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 15
Job Number: 1501
Job Summary
Under direc�on, researches and reviews applica�ons for development proposals. Prepares
policy proposals and implementa�on measures regarding current and long-range urban
planning. Provides staff assistance to various City boards and commissions.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Reviews applica�ons for a variety of planning related cases and permits including
annexa�ons, rezonings, subdivisions, changes to historic proper�es, special excep�ons,
variances, site plans, floodplain development, and appeals to ensure compliance with
City regula�ons and policies.
• Prepares writen reports; recommends measures regarding development projects and
rezoning proposals; ensures compliance with City regula�ons, policies, and urban design
principles.
• Advises boards and commissions and the City Council regarding urban planning issues;
prepares staff reports to document findings and recommenda�ons.
• Provides staff support for City boards and commissions and internal staff commitees.
• Assists assigned commissions in ongoing and special projects; manages grants as
assigned.
• Provides customer service and answers inquiries from developers and the general public
regarding proposed development and planning issues.
• Researches and dra�s ordinances, condi�onal zoning agreements, resolu�ons and legal
decisions.
• Researches and dra�s legisla�ve amendments to the City Code including the zoning
ordinance, environmental regula�ons, and the subdivision regula�ons, and site plan
regula�ons.
• Organizes public outreach and resident planning workshops to update comprehensive
plan, including district plans and historic and conserva�on districts.
• Dra�s amendments to comprehensive plan and district plans based on research and
public input.
Updated: March 2024
• Meets with public, community organiza�ons and local media regarding ongoing
development issues.
• Prepares public presenta�ons related to long-range planning efforts or legisla�ve
changes. Conducts research and analysis on various policy topics and presents findings.
• Collaborates as a team member to ensure effec�ve communica�on to meet tasks, goals,
and deadlines.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Urban Planning or related. Experience in urban
planning or related.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master ’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and one year of related
experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combina�on of
educa�on and experience. Experience in design, form-based codes and historic
preservation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to analyze and cri�que plans and proposals for zoning and land development.
• Ability to apply concepts such as frac�ons, percentages, ra�os, and propor�ons to
prac�cal situa�ons.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to prepare and present technical reports and resolu�ons.
• Ability to read and interpret legal agreements and documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Ability to work with mathema�cal concepts such as probability and sta�s�cal inference.
• Ability to write reports and ar�cles for publica�on that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of development process and local government opera�ons.
Updated: March 2024
• Knowledge of principles and prac�ces of urban planning.
• Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regula�ons.
• Skill in the opera�on of a number of office machines and equipment such as computers,
copiers, and facsimile machines.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Wor d,
Excel, Outlook) and GIS tools.
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
Updated: March 2024
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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