Senior Planner at City of West Fargo – West Fargo, North Dakota

The team will review all applications submitted through 3/9 for the current round. Applications submitted after 4/1 would be considered if another round is conducted.

Under limited supervision, the Senior Planner assists the Planning and Zoning Director in the management of the Planning Department and performs work in the administration of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Sub-Plans and applicable City ordinances related to planning and community development.

• Assists the Director in the development of plans, studies, policies, ordinances, strategies and maps for the implementation of development programs for the City.
• Oversees the development entitlement review and approval process within a team environment; including application intake, public notification, coordination of multi-entity review, communications, analysis and development of recommendations, public hearings/meetings, presentation to approval boards and commissions, record keeping, etc.
• Assists in the supervision of staff within the department.
• Communicates complex development details among a diverse set of stakeholders—including residents, City staff, Commissioners, government agencies, property owners, developers, engineers, architects, attorneys, news media, etc.
• Facilitates meetings and special communications regarding complex development details for various stakeholder groups when necessary, including neighborhood meetings, public input meetings, pre-application meetings, development review meetings, etc. May also de-escalate situations of controversial development projects and land use issues.
• Exercises sound judgement in the administration and application of development regulations.
• Analyzes development proposals for consistency with applicable state and federal statutes, City policy, development regulations, and accepted planning principles.
• Identifies likely positive or negative outcomes, such as environmental, economic, public health, or legal impacts.
• Participates in negotiating positive outcomes for the City, citizens, and property owners.
• Provides technical recommendations to the City Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission, Economic Development Advisory Committee, Board of Adjustment, and other public bodies through written, visual, and oral communication, typically in a public meeting setting.
• Plans, implements, and manages projects and studies, as assigned, including the management of contracted project teams and professional consultants. Develops project budgets, administers bidding process, verifies contract expenditures and compliance.
• Responds to resident questions, issues, and concerns; determines resolutions to meet City goals and policies; maintains positive community relations and outcomes for the City and the Department.
• Administers various community development, neighborhood, public art, and housing programs; assists other departments in the administration of City economic development incentives, code enforcement activities, and other multi-departmental programs.
• Collects and interprets data and information used to prepare reports and plans, including information from such technical sources as surveys, engineering reports, architectural plans, legal documents, etc.; creates and writes staff reports on planning projects, studies, and proposals utilizing maps, photos, charts, and other means to convey technical information.
• Leads other staff and departments in collaborative efforts to develop and improve interdepartmental processes.
• Represents the Planning Department in the Director’s absence.
• Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.
• This position requires frequent interaction with the general public in regards to occasionally controversial development projects and land use issues. The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.

• Bachelor degree in urban planning or a related field.
• Six years of experience in urban planning.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices, & techniques of planning.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to use GIS software with basic mapping and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, other City departments, vendors, contractors, residents, partner agencies and organizations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in urban planning or related field.
• Project Management Experience
• AICP certification.
• Valid driver’s license.